1520 Arts

What 1520 Arts does

1520 Arts is a 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in South Salt Lake, Utah that promotes Hip Hop arts as a respected art form through education, practice, and performance. Founded in 2009 by Joshua "Text" Perkins and James "Pyro" Karren as The Bboy Federation, the organization rebranded to 1520 Arts in 2019 (named after 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, the recognized birthplace of Hip Hop) to reflect programming that now spans all four elements of Hip Hop culture. It serves under-served and marginalized communities in Utah by removing financial and resource barriers to arts participation.

The organization operates from The HERC (Hip Hop Education & Resource Center), a full-time facility occupied since 2016 with four rentable studios totaling roughly 4,100 square feet, and draws over 20,000 visitors annually (20% receiving free access). Its product portfolio includes weekly dance and movement classes (Hip Hop, Heels, K-Pop, Capoeira, Oriental Dance, Jazzercise), a 6-week DJ course priced at $375, hourly studio rentals from $12 to $40, an Artist Support Program providing up to $500 annually per applicant, a Community Mural Program offering $500 stipends plus a 12x12-foot wall, and an Equipment Rental Program for community events. Educational programming extends through mobile outreach to 30+ school and community programs across Utah and adjunct teaching positions at Weber State University, Brigham Young University, and Westminster University.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid of donations, class fees, studio and equipment rentals, and artist grants, with marketing primarily driven by digital channels (website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), earned media (including a PBS "This Is Utah" feature), and community outreach. Strategic partnerships include Red Bull (hosting Red Bull Dance Your Style qualifiers in 2025), the Utah Arts Festival (15 consecutive years of participation), and major financial supporters including UDAM, Eccles, and ZAP. The organization employs 11-50 staff and operates without any proprietary technology platform; its core "infrastructure" is the physical facility and the human capital of its founders and practitioners.

Name

1520 Arts

Legal name

1520 Arts

Website

https://1520arts.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

1520 Arts is a 501c3 non-profit based in South Salt Lake, Utah that delivers Hip Hop arts education, classes, and community programming to under-served communities through its HERC facility, mobile school outreach, university adjunct positions, and partnerships with festivals and donors across Utah.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Arts Education

NAICS

Performing Arts Companies (7111), Dance Companies (71112), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations (BPAGAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB), Arts & Culture Service/Support Organizations (Networks, Advocacy, Capacity Building) (BPAGAHAL), Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ), Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance) (EDAMAAAH)

Keywords

• Hip hop arts education
• Community dance classes
• Studio rental services
• Artist grant programs
• Nonprofit arts organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Salt Lake City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization relies heavily on donor support to provide free or reduced-cost access to programming. Every $10 donated provides an hour of free programming for students. Over 20,000 people pass through their doors annually with 20% receiving free access.
2. Class Fees: Revenue from adult dance and art classes including drop-in classes ($15), DJ courses ($375), and various community-hosted classes with varying price points.
3. Studio Rentals: Revenue from renting 4 studios (S1-S4) at varying hourly rates ($12-$40/hr) for rehearsals, private studio time, and small events.
4. Equipment Rentals: Low-cost equipment rental program providing sound equipment, dance floors, tables, chairs to local community organizations.
5. Artist Support Program: Provides up to $500 in annual support per applicant for artists engaged in impactful creative work, funded through grants and donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

1520 Arts is a 501c3 non-profit organization that promotes Hip Hop arts through education, performance, and community programming. Its core offerings include weekly dance and movement classes (Hip Hop, K-Pop, Capoeira, Heels, Oriental Dance, etc.), a 6-week comprehensive DJ Course ($375), hourly rentals of four on-site studios ($12–$40/hr), and community support programs such as the Artist Support Program (up to $500 annually), the Community Mural Program ($500 stipend plus wall space), and an Equipment Rental Program for local events. The organization serves under-served and marginalized communities in Utah through on-site programming at The HERC facility and mobile outreach to schools and community centers.

Product overview

1520 Arts is a non-profit organization providing platforms, resources, and opportunities for non-traditional artists through four core initiatives: Studio/Facility, Education, Events, and Artist Development. The organization operates from its Community Center (The HERC) and offers a portfolio of programs including dance and movement classes (Hip Hop, K-Pop, Capoeira, heels, and more), a 6-week DJ Course, and four rentable studio spaces. Community support programs include the Artist Support Program (up to $500 annual grants), Community Mural Program ($500 stipends for 12x12' murals), and Equipment Rental for events. The organization also produces its own events including the 1520 Block Party and maintains education partnerships with Utah universities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dance and Movement Classes Weekly dance and movement classes including Hip Hop, Heels, K-Pop, Capoeira, Oriental Dance, Jazzercise, Samba, and Belly Dancing for adults and youth ages 15+. Drop-in classes priced at $15 per class, with community-hosted classes ranging $10–$16 per class.
• DJ Course A 6-week comprehensive DJ training program covering equipment fundamentals, basic mixing, basic scratching, loops, advanced mixing, and final mixtapes. Priced at $375 per student and currently offered in the DJ Course format.
• Studio Rentals Hourly rental of four on-site studios (S1: 1300 sq ft, S2: 950 sq ft, S3: 900 sq ft, S4: 950 sq ft with small stage) equipped with mirrors, sound systems, lighting, and wifi. Used for rehearsals, private studio time, and small events. Hourly rates range from $12 (daytime, 1–18 people, weekday) to $40 (large group, 19–25 people with food/drink).
• Artist Support Program Provides targeted support up to $500 annually per applicant for artists, educators, and community leaders engaged in impactful creative work. Funds may be used across multiple applications throughout the year and are available as cash requests (outside Utah) or material resources/facility access (within Utah). Funded through grants and donations.
• Community Mural Program Supports emerging artists by providing a 12x12' wall at the 1520 Arts facility to produce a small-scale mural project, along with resources and a $500 stipend to refine their craft in a real-world context, contribute to the public art landscape, and strengthen their portfolios for future work.
• Equipment Rental Program Provides low-cost access to event production equipment—including sound equipment, dance floors, tables, and chairs—for local community organizations and cultural groups producing their own events, particularly those serving under-served populations.
• Education Programs Educational programming delivered to elementary, middle, high school, and college-aged students across Utah, focusing on Hip Hop history, core cultural values, DJing, dance, and youth issues. Includes after-school programs (Promise South Salt Lake), adjunct university teaching (Weber State, BYU, Westminster), and school visit programs (Midvale Middle School).
• They Reminisce Stage Production Stage production created in 2014 that encompasses all four core elements of Hip Hop culture (DJ, MC, dance, and graffiti) and serves as a flagship performance piece showcasing the breadth of 1520 Arts' programming to festival and event audiences.
• 1520 Block Party Annual flagship event produced by 1520 Arts celebrating Hip Hop and Street Culture, featuring local artists, vendors, performances, music, and community engagement opportunities for the broader Salt Lake City community.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 20,000 people pass through their doors annually with 20% receiving free access
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Utah Arts FestivalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Long-standing partnership with the Utah Arts Festival, marking their 15th year of participation in 2025. 1520 Arts performs and provides educational programming at this major annual event.
• Red BullcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to deliver collaborative events including Red Bull Dance Your Style, providing opportunities for dancers both within and outside of Utah. The organization hosted their first Choreo Competition and Open Qualifier for Red Bull Dance Your Style in 2025.
• Urban Arts FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipates in Urban Arts Festival as part of their annual event schedule.
• Ogden Arts FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipates in Ogden Arts Festival as part of their annual event schedule.
• Zoo BrewminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipates in Zoo Brew event at Hogle Zoo.
• The HERC (Hip Hop Education & Resource Center)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner1520 Arts moved into The HERC in 2016, which serves as their headquarters and provides full-time access to Hip Hop-based arts and education programs.
• Promise South Salt LakecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAfter-school teaching partnership established in 2013, bringing Hip Hop education programs to South Salt Lake youth.
• Weber State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner1520 Arts holds adjunct teaching positions and delivers classes at Weber State University.
• Brigham Young University (BYU)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner1520 Arts holds adjunct teaching positions and delivers classes at BYU.
• Westminster UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner1520 Arts holds adjunct teaching positions and delivers classes at Westminster University.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Peridance Center / Peridance Capezio Center: A New York-based dance school and studio rental facility offering diverse class styles and rehearsal space. Comparable to 1520 Arts' dual model of community-facing dance education plus studio rental revenue.
• Pilobolus: A long-established dance company with educational programs, residencies, and community outreach. Comparable to 1520 Arts in the educational outreach and community program structure, though operating at significantly larger scale with broader artistic styles.
• Broadway Dance Center: A major New York dance studio offering drop-in classes, workshops, and studio rentals across multiple dance styles. Comparable to 1520 Arts' class offerings and studio rental model, though at much larger commercial scale and broader genre focus.
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater / The Ailey School: Iconic dance institution combining professional company, school, and community programs with deep focus on African-American cultural expression. Comparable to 1520 Arts' integration of cultural heritage, dance education, and community access.

Direct peers

• Rennie Harris Puremovement: A Hip Hop dance company and educational nonprofit that preserves and propagates Hip Hop dance traditions through performances, residencies, and community programs. Highly comparable to 1520 Arts as both are nonprofit organizations using Hip Hop arts as a vehicle for community cultural development.
• Urban Bush Women: A dance company and nonprofit using performing arts to address social justice, with community engagement programs and education initiatives. Shares 1520 Arts' model of combining artistic excellence with community impact and under-served community focus.
• Gibney: A New York-based performing arts and social justice nonprofit operating multiple studios and presenting dance companies. Directly comparable to 1520 Arts' model of combining studio rental/access with community programming and emerging artist support.
• Step Afrika!: A cultural dance nonprofit focused on stepping/percussive dance traditions with educational outreach, performances, and community programs. Comparable to 1520 Arts as a nonprofit that elevates a culturally-specific dance form through education and performance.

Emerging players

• Break the Floor Productions: Dance event and education company producing workshops, competitions, and conventions across multiple dance styles. Comparable to 1520 Arts' blend of dance education and event production, with overlap on community dance engagement.
• The Hip Hop Cultural Center (proposed NYC): Emerging initiatives to create dedicated Hip Hop cultural centers that preserve and present Hip Hop heritage. Conceptually comparable to 1520 Arts' The HERC as a dedicated physical facility for Hip Hop arts and education.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/1520arts
• Facebookfacebook.com/1520arts
• Instagraminstagram.com/1520arts
• Xx.com/1520arts

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 1520 Arts