Artists Mentoring Against Racism, Drugs & Violence (AMARD&V) summer program is an innovative arts-based, community-building program for urban youth in New Brunswick, N.J. By providing youth with exposure to art as an alternative to violence and a way to increase self-esteem, community connectedness, and teamwork is encouraged. 40 to 60 students are led over a five week period by artists, counselors, and health specialists to develop life-building skills, communicate with one another, share common traditions, learn to appreciate their distinct customs and explore the reasons for the increasing racial and social problems between the various diverse communities. The Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Community Health Promotion Program, in partnership with the PRAB Inc., Rutgers University Collaborative Center for Student Engagement and Research, Mason Gross Schools of the Arts, New Brunswick Cultural Center and the Suydam St. Reformed Church collaborated in the design and impleme...