Our Inspiration

Following Arivva's founding in 2018, members of the organization visited Manchester Bidwell Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where discussions began with the National Center for Arts & Technology (NCAT). These conversations helped establish Arivva's connection to NCAT, with which Arivva is now affiliated.

Founded by Bill Strickland, NCAT embraces an educational philosophy that combines mentorship, education, beauty, and hope, based on the belief that everyone deserves opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.

Arivva is proud to be connected to the Strickland Global Leadership Institute (SGLI), founded by Bill Strickland in 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Building on the legacy of Manchester Bidwell Corporation and the National Center for Arts & Technology (NCAT), SGLI supports a network of organizations dedicated to transforming lives through arts education, mentorship, and workforce development.

“You must be prepared to act on your dreams, just in case they do come true”.

‍ ‍– Bill Strickland

In 2025, Arivva attended the Strickland Summit in Pittsburgh, connecting with other organizations that share this vision and exchanging ideas about arts education, workforce development, and community impact.

Today, Arivva carries this philosophy forward in Parkland, Washington, through free, year-round youth ceramics programs, community arts classes, and healthcare workforce training.