According to the National Center for Education Statistics in the United States, over the last few decades, the proportion of students receiving arts education has shrunk drastically. Standardized test pressures have disproportionately affected access to the arts in a negative way for students from historically under-served communities. A federal government report found that schools designated as "needing improvement", and schools with higher percentages of minority students, were more likely to experience decreases in time spent on creative and artistic activities.

The RAW Project began in 2014 as an annual 14-day project and event that brings together a coalition of established artists and education administrations to bring color and inspiration on school walls that suffer from a drought in budget. The results have led to a learning environment that produced higher test scores and school attendance, and a growth in positive community activity.

Our main goal is to bring the world's top mural artists to schools in need and have them paint professional murals inspired by the students, school and community. Organically, we at The RAW Project have added more integrated art activities to school curriculum during our time on site, such as artist Q&A, school assemblies that embrace creativity, art walk tours for families, and teaching sessions led by guest international artists. We are proud to achieve 501c3 non-profit status, and are grateful for our years of successful fundraising for this event.