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Building Inclusive Communities Through Arts & Culture
United We Go is a Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through arts, culture, youth development, and inclusive engagement. Our programs bring people together through creative expression, storytelling, and public art while ensuring access for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.
Our Impact by the Numbers
Cumulative totals since United We Go's founding in 2023. Numbers as of October 15, 2026.
City of Mural Community Festival
4 annual festivals | 19 murals facilitated | 6,200 sq ft of public space transformed
Includes 11 festival-funded murals, 4 Friendship Wall murals, and 4 privately commissioned murals. Square footage excludes privately commissioned murals.
Voice of Youth Podcast Club
About 90 student enrollments | About 70 podcast episodes | 3 partner sites
Partners: Hemmeter Elementary, Bay-Arenac ISD, and Houghton Jones Resource Center. Enrollments include returning students.
I AM Youth Fashion Show
4 annual shows | 158 youth participants | 213 registrations
35 youth returned for multiple years, including 4 who took part all four years. 45 youth participated in 2026.
Happy Birthday Fund
74 applications received | 35 families supported
Since launching in 2024, including 35 applications from Michigan.
Accessibility & Community Access
United We Go is committed to making arts and culture accessible to everyone in our community. Many of our programs are offered free of charge, and reduced pricing, scholarships, or fee waivers are available when needed.
We provide free or reduced access for:
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Youth (PreK–12) and college students
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Seniors (55+)
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Veterans and active-duty service members
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Individuals and families using EBT/SNAP benefits
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Individuals with disabilities
Our goal is to remove financial, physical, and social barriers so all community members can participate in creative experiences that inspire connection, confidence, and belonging.
To request reduced admission or assistance, please email:
info@unitedwego.org
Our Programs
United We Go offers community-centered arts programming designed to build confidence, celebrate diversity, and strengthen community connection across the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Youth Arts Education
Our Voice of Youth Podcast Club serves students in grades 4–12 through hands-on arts education in storytelling, public speaking, interviewing, and audio production.
Public Art & Murals
Through our City of Mural Community Festival, artists, youth, and residents collaborate to transform public spaces with murals that reflect cultural identity, unity, and local pride.
Youth Empowerment Through Creative Expression
Our I AM Youth Fashion Show and empowerment programs use fashion, movement, and performance to build confidence, leadership, and positive self-identity.
Community Festivals & Creative Events
We host inclusive, family-friendly events that bring people together through art, music, storytelling, and cultural celebration.
Community, Cultural & Healing Impact
United We Go supports folk and traditional arts by uplifting cultural storytelling, community heritage, and creative traditions rooted in local identity.
Our murals, festivals, and storytelling projects reflect the voices and histories of the communities we serve.
We also integrate healing arts into our programming by creating safe, supportive spaces for self-expression, confidence-building, and emotional well-being through creative activities.
Our programs are inclusive and accessible for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can participate fully in arts and cultural experiences.
Serving the Great Lakes Bay Region
United We Go provides arts and cultural programming across rural and regional communities in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
By partnering with schools, community centers, and creative spaces, we bring arts education and public art directly to where people live and gather.
Our regional approach expands access for youth and families who may have limited opportunities to participate in creative experiences due to distance or transportation barriers.
Youth Ambassador Program
United We Go®’s Youth Ambassador Program serves as our youth advisory group. Eight youth ambassadors currently meet monthly with United We Go® leadership to plan and carry out community engagement work and to share feedback on our programs and events. Ambassadors help shape activities for the City of Mural Community Festival, I AM Youth Empowerment, and Voice of Youth, represent United We Go® at community events, and bring youth perspectives into program planning. The program builds leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while giving young people a direct voice in the creative direction of our organization.
Join Our Community
Whether you are a student, parent, artist, volunteer, or community partner, United We Go welcomes you to be part of our creative movement.
📧 info@unitedwego.org
🌐 www.unitedwego.org
📱 Follow us on social media for program updates, events, and impact stories.
Accessibility Statement
United We Go is committed to making our website accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines by using accessible design, clear navigation, alt text for images, and readable content.
If you experience any difficulty accessing information on our site, please contact us at info@unitedwego.org so we can assist you.