Russell and Danny Simmons: ‘Kids need to exercise their creative muscles’ through art

Twenty artists will gather in Miami next week to compete for the chance to showcase their art in New York. The contest is part of an initiative run by Danny and Russell Simmons, co-founders of the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, an organization that serves over 700,000 urban youth through art. The Simmons brothers join “Starting Point” on Friday to discuss their upcoming competition and the need for art in urban communities.

“We saw that the schools weren't doing a good job,” Russell Simmons said on why he and his brothers started the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. “We think the imagination is everything. I mean, the numbers don't mean much if you don't have the creative way to put them to work. And so, kids need to exercise their creative muscles.”

Simmons, the author of “Super Rich” and publisher of “GlobalGrind.com,” also explains that the foundation helps serve “under served communities” by giving creative artists an opportunity to showcase their work in New York. He adds that many of the artists mentor and teach fine arts, poetry, and other subjects to youth in their program.