Meet Kyle Denman | Executive Director, Arts Bridging the Gap

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyle Denman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyle, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Arts Bridging the Gap (ABG) ) is dedicated to transforming the lives of youth in under-resourced communities by providing access to high-quality arts education that is culturally relevant, inclusive, and empowering. At the heart of ABG’s mission is the belief that the arts are a powerful tool for social change and personal development. By creating spaces where young people from marginalized backgrounds can express themselves, learn, and grow, ABG helps to dismantle educational barriers and foster long-term positive outcomes for youth, their families, and their communities.

Through its programs, ABG is making a profound social impact by offering youth an opportunity to engage in creative expression, while simultaneously building critical life skills such as confidence, resilience, and problem-solving. Arts education is a powerful vehicle for nurturing self-esteem, and by providing a safe and supportive environment for students to explore their artistic abilities, ABG helps young people discover their unique talents and voices. These creative outlets allow students to develop emotional intelligence, which is vital for their academic and personal growth. The arts not only foster academic excellence but also prepare youth to thrive in an ever-evolving world by enhancing skills that transcend beyond traditional classroom settings.

ABG’s commitment to social justice and equity is evident in its focus on giving historically marginalized communities access to opportunities that are often limited in traditional educational settings. For many of the youth served by ABG, arts education is not just an extracurricular activity but a vital means of self-expression, connection, and community building. By providing these young people with a platform to explore their identities, address societal issues, and challenge stereotypes, ABG helps them feel empowered to share their stories in ways that are meaningful to them.

On a broader level, ABG’s social impact extends far beyond the classroom. ABG fosters collaboration between schools, local organizations, and artists, creating a robust support system for youth. Through these partnerships, ABG helps to strengthen the community by ensuring that resources are shared and opportunities for growth are multiplied. ABG actively works to create sustainable, long-term change by building relationships that deepen over time, amplifying the positive effects of arts education and creating a network of care for students. Annually, ABG serves thousands of young people, with approximately 90% living at or below the poverty line and employs artists from similar backgrounds as the youth the organization serves.

Additionally, ABG’s emphasis on community engagement helps students understand the broader impact they can have on society. Through public performances, exhibitions, and outreach efforts, ABG encourages students to use their creative work to address real-world issues, such as racial justice, economic inequality, and environmental sustainability. This not only provides youth with a platform to be heard but also instills a sense of civic responsibility and agency, showing them that they have the power to effect change within their communities and beyond.

Ultimately, the work of ABG is an investment in the future. By offering equitable access to the transformative power of the arts, ABG is helping to level the playing field for young people who are often denied the opportunities and resources that are vital to their success. The impact is profound: ABG is not just fostering the next generation of artists, but also nurturing future leaders, advocates, and changemakers who will carry the lessons learned through the arts into every corner of society. In doing so, ABG is contributing to a more inclusive, just, and vibrant world for all.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in a deep commitment to storytelling and social change. As the Executive Director of ABG, I’ve had the privilege of working at the intersection of arts, education, and social justice. My work is driven by a belief that the arts are not just about self-expression—they are a tool for empowerment, healing, and transformation. Whether through visual arts, performance, or creative writing, my focus has always been on creating spaces where marginalized voices can be heard and valued.

What sets me apart is the way I approach art not only as a means of personal expression but as a collective force that can challenge, heal, and uplift communities. I believe that art has the power to move people, to start conversations, and to spark social action. This belief shapes everything I do—whether it’s curating programs at ABG, collaborating with young artists, or using art to bring attention to issues of racial justice, equity, and identity. One of my favorite things about leading ABG and its people is that everyone—staff, artists, friends, and youth—all believe in the power of the arts to change the world. Everyone leads with empathy, and it is inspiring to work alongside and within the ABG community!

One of the things I’m most proud of is the work we’ve done at ABG to bring arts education into communities that have been historically underfunded and underserved. I’m proud of how we’ve cultivated an environment where youth feel not only welcomed but celebrated, where their creativity is allowed to flourish without the constraints that often come with more traditional educational environments. Seeing the transformative effects on these young people—the confidence they build, the new opportunities they unlock for themselves—fills me with immense pride. We’re not just teaching kids how to paint, dance, or write—we’re helping them discover their worth and their power.

The path to where I am today was not easy. Like many people in the nonprofit world, I’ve had to navigate financial constraints, bureaucratic challenges, and the overwhelming pressure to create change in systems that were not built to support our young. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but I’ve always believed in the power of community. I learned that when you build strong relationships and a collaborative network of supporters, the impossible becomes possible. I also had to learn how to balance the practical and the visionary—to dream big, but also to stay grounded in the reality of limited resources.

The challenges I’ve faced have taught me invaluable lessons: perseverance, patience, and the importance of adaptability. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to listen, to pivot, and to support others in ways that allow them to shine. I’ve learned that true success doesn’t come from individual achievement, but from the collective impact we can have when we lift each other up.

As for what I want the world to know about me and my work—it’s simple. My brand, and the story I want to tell, is one of resilience, purpose, and the deep belief that art has the power to change lives. Through ABG, my art, and the stories we share, I aim to amplify the voices of those too often silenced by society. I want the world to know that, even in the face of adversity, there is always room for creativity, hope, and transformation. The work we do is not just about building careers for young artists—it’s about building a more equitable, inclusive world for all of us.

Ultimately, I want to continue to use art as a vehicle for connection and change, working alongside others who share the vision of a world where every young person, regardless of background, has access to the tools they need to thrive. That is my art, my mission, and my legacy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love walking around the city and viewing it from different perspectives and angles while also checking out the street art. I also love going on hikes and going to the beach and have a few favorite spots away from the city at which I can surround myself with nature. I am also a huge fan of the art scene in LA and can be found spending time at some of the many art museums around the city. In terms of food, LA has some of the best and most diverse food options I have ever seen! I like to try a lot of the local restaurants, with Cafe Angelino and Gardunos Sports Bar & Grill being some of my favorites! I also love going to some of the many rooftop bars in LA and watching the sunset. As ABG’s Executive Director, I also love to check out the murals my team has painted! We have painted over 115 youth-designed and community-created murals in Los Angeles County; one of which was on an airplane at the Van Nuys Airport! I am really inspired by this city and try to find inspiration everywhere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In reflecting on my journey, it’s clear that my successes have been shaped not just by my own efforts, but by the unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance I’ve received from others. If there’s one group I want to dedicate this shoutout to, it’s the incredible team at ABG—the mentors, educators, and artists who have not only helped shape ABG into the impactful organization it is today but who have also personally guided and inspired me throughout my own leadership journey. Their commitment to empowering youth and creating spaces for transformation is the backbone of everything we do at ABG.

I’d also like to give a shoutout to the young people we work with every day. Their resilience, creativity, and courage continue to inspire me. They remind me constantly of why I do this work. Every time a student discovers their voice through art, every time they overcome personal challenges, and every time they take bold steps toward a brighter future, I am reminded of the power of community, mentorship, and opportunity.

And I can’t go without shouting out to Bryan “Bryguy”—a true rock and an essential part of my journey. Bryan, your unwavering support, mentorship, and friendship mean the world to me. Whether it’s offering guidance during tough decisions, cracking jokes to lighten the mood, or simply being there when I need a sounding board, you’ve been someone I can always count on. Your dedication to the work we do and the way you consistently lift up those around you is inspiring. You’ve had an immense impact on me both professionally and personally, and I am beyond thankful to have you in my corner. The bond we share makes all the difference in my life, and I’m lucky to navigate this journey together.

Website: https://www.artsbridgingthegap.org

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