Progressive Artists, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that offers learning programs in the arts and academic enrichment in Columbia, Missouri.

The Progressive Artists foundation serves children between the ages of 13 and 20 through arts and academic enrichment courses; adults can also take advantage of separate workshops and classes through Progressive Artists. The organization promotes works in all genres of art, including music, dance, film, literature, theatre, visual arts, and language arts. Progressive Artists also hosts weekend performances for the public in addition to courses throughout the week.

The founders of Progressive Artists foster the belief that youths whose opinions and perspectives are often dismissed can find positive means of expression through the arts and ultimately enhance the status quo. The organization strives to help those youths with the greatest need for support —primarily economically disadvantaged youths who are often part of an ethnic or cultural minority — to cultivate their artistic potential. Such development is essential for them to achieve a full sense of self, which they are quite often denied in light of their limited access to positive opportunities. Art is the medium for engaging these youths and cultivating their self perceptions and expressions.

Progressive Artists, Inc. promotes a policy of free expression without censoring to encourage youths to search for truth in their artistic reflections and endeavors. As long as the expression is truthful, even if a piece of imagery may be unsettling to the public, the organization will not discourage the youth; however, the organization will not promote or allow the creation of one-sided or propagandistic art.

In addition to artistic guidance and growth, academic enhancement is important to the founders of Progressive Artists, Inc. Students at Progressive Artists are required to enroll in at least one academic enrichment class and a homework center course. Progressive Artists also pairs each student with a teacher who serves as a one-on-one mentor. The student and mentor meet several times throughout the trimester to discuss short-term and long-term goals, steps to meet these goals, and progress towards meeting these goals.