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Genesis Inspiration Foundation – Driving Creativity and Learning Forward

At Pretend City Children’s Museum, every exhibit is thoughtfully designed to spark imagination, inspire curiosity, and support critical early childhood development. For Genesis Inspiration Foundation, these values align perfectly with their mission to support arts education for youth across the country. Since their founding in 2018, they’ve committed themselves to making a difference—and Pretend City is honored to be among the organizations they support.

“We value the way Pretend City integrates arts and educational learning experiences for children,” says John Guastaferro, Executive Director of Genesis Inspiration Foundation. “We know that when a child has access to the arts, they are not only more inspired to be creative thinkers—they are four times more likely to achieve academic excellence.”

This commitment to educational equity and creative empowerment is central to everything Genesis Inspiration Foundation does. Backed by Genesis, a brand known for its world-class luxury vehicles, the foundation is just as focused on enriching lives as it is on advancing technology. With a core belief that arts education has the power to transform young lives, the foundation has awarded over $3 million to 83 organizations this year, with a total of $13 million since the foundation was founded in 2018.

Pretend City is proud to be among those organizations—and proud to count Genesis Inspiration Foundation as a champion of children’s learning. This shared dedication to creativity, innovation, and community advancement is the foundation of their support. Whether it’s through funding art studios, community mural projects, or immersive museum exhibits, Genesis Inspiration Foundation believes that access to the arts helps children dream bigger and reach higher.

The Power of Play and Imagination

When asked what stands out most about Pretend City’s work, Genesis Inspiration Foundation doesn’t hesitate: “Pretend City sparks kids’ imaginations! From the hands-on activities to the child-size city, you are giving kids the opportunity to explore their own creativity.”

That emphasis on creativity isn’t just about fun—it’s deeply tied to how children learn. The exhibits at Pretend City are designed with child development milestones in mind, giving families engaging ways to support social-emotional growth, cognitive development, and language skills. As Genesis Inspiration Foundation notes, “Beyond creating a fun and memorable experience for kids, Pretend City engages families in activities rooted in child development milestones. These provide the foundation for greater learning and imagination.”

A Personal Connection

Philanthropy is most powerful when it’s personal—and for Genesis Inspiration Foundation, their connection to Pretend City is grounded in real experience. One particularly meaningful moment came during a recent visit to the museum.

“I recall bringing my daughter Emma when she was four. We loved it,” shares John. “In touring Pretend City recently, I was struck by two things: the number of families engaged in Pretend City’s art-based activities—and the teen volunteers who were helping out.”

This simple yet powerful observation speaks to the full-circle impact of Pretend City’s work: a place where young children begin their journeys as curious learners, and where older youth return as volunteers to help the next generation grow.

Investing in a Brighter Future

In 2025, the Genesis Inspiration Foundation will award $3 millionto youth arts organizations across the U.S.—a testament to their ongoing commitment to equitable arts access. Their support enables institutions like Pretend City to expand programming, improve facilities, and ensure that every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to explore, imagine, and grow.

As we look toward the future, Pretend City is deeply grateful for partners like Genesis Inspiration Foundation who share our belief in the transformative power of play, learning, and the arts. Together, we’re helping children build the skills they need to thrive—today and tomorrow.

Thank you, Genesis Inspiration Foundation, for inspiring creativity, supporting education, and making magic possible at Pretend City.