651 ARTS creates a “safe haven” in which artists can take artistic risks and connect with their community.  Through 651 ARTS’ Artist Development Initiative, artists are provided with a range of support to assist them in developing new works.  This support, tailored to match the needs of the specific project, might include the provision of rehearsal space; conducting community roundtables around specific subject matter related to the work; hosting open rehearsals; assisting in the development of humanities activities; and/or matching an artist with a specific community to inform the development of the work.  651 ARTS has supported the development of work by numerous artists including: poet Sekou Sundiata, choreographers Dean Moss and Marlies Yearby, theater artists Rha Goddess and Okwui Okpokwasili, and theater artist/writer Carl Hancock Rux.