Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing inner-city youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, and to offering exhibition opportunities for emerging and underrepresented artists. Rush was founded in 1995 by three brothers: Danny Simmons, visual artist and community builder; media mogul Russell Simmons; and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC. Their goal was to fill the gap that the disenfranchised and people of color faced in both access- ing the arts and exhibition opportunities.

Over the past 21 years, Rush has developed a broad base of friends, collabo- rators and supporters dedicated to addressing these issues. Designed to inspire students, provide positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors and support increased academic performance, Rush Education programs directly serve 3,500 students annually. In addition, each year Rush exhibits the work of over 50 emerging and community based artists in its galleries; welcomes over 12,000 gallery visitors; and provides unique opportunities for young people interested in careers in the arts. Rush currently operates galleries and arts education programs at Rush Arts Gallery in Manhattan and Corridor Gallery in Brooklyn, as well as at five NYC public schools.