Art changed me. Art changed the trajectory of my life; and every day art gives to me and helps me give to others and to be present for the people and moments that matter.
Through my own experience, I know the immeasurable value of the programming provided by Art Prevails Project. This South Florida based performing and literary arts non-profit is committed to making an impact by providing artistic and cultural experiences through performance and education. You can read that right in their mission statement, but what Art Prevails Project does goes much deeper than can be grasped in a single paragraph.
What I want to share with you is (1) why the work done by Art Prevails Project is so important to me (The Impact of Arts Education & Exposure—My Personal Experience); (2) how Art Prevails Project serves the South Florida community and beyond in a way the words of the mission alone can never express (What Is Impact? What Is Access?); (3) how you can help Art Prevails Project continue their critical work (Make an Impact).
One: THE IMPACT OF ARTS EDUCATION & EXPOSURE—MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
As a little kid, school theatre performances helped build my confidence and my voice. It was the only time I could use my full loud voice and felt a little freer to do things my usually shy self would never; and I never felt so special as when I stood on the auditorium stage and helped present a story. It was music to my ears to hear, "You were really good. We could hear you all the way in the back." I probably never let it show, but I lived for those moments. I still do (I bet a lot of kids do), and to this day I act every opportunity I get. Art can help us find, explore, and express ourselves.
Meeting me today, you would probably never guess that I was bullied as a child. But, I was until playing violin helped me get recruited into a different educational track for arts and sciences. I was off to a place where I belonged, where I could learn in peace, where I could grow; and I will never forget the sense of relief I felt when I heard I was accepted to that program. Being a musician didn't hurt my college applications either. Now, being The Violinist has become a part of my career in performing arts. Art education and access can help a person find their place in this world.
I wrote my first poem in elementary school. It was about the clouds. My handwriting was horrible—caps and lowercase letters mixed together, the "L" in clouds written backward. I kept at it—penmanship and poetry—off and on over the years. I've cried over my pen gliding across my paper smudging the ink as I wrote my way through various heartbreaks. I've taken out frustrations on paper and pen tips that people never knew I felt. I'm glad I was able to leave it on the paper…a more constructive way to deal with destructive emotions. Art can provide an outlet for thoughts that have no place else to go.
None of these positive experiences could have happened; and none of these critical parts of who I am and how I function would have been developed if I had not been provided with access to these art forms in my youth. This is why it is so important that children are provided with arts education which serves not only as an opportunity for growth in the arts but tends to help children academically and socially as well.
Unfortunately, many children are not provided with arts education. Art Prevails Project helps fill in the gaps; and they have earned my trust and my support to do so on a larger scale.
Two: WHAT IS ACCESS? WHAT IS IMPACT?
They can be so much more than buzzwords
In the past 18 months, Art Prevails Project has facilitated classes and workshops in creative writing, drama, music, dance and visual arts to over 300 students in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Art Prevails Project has also created a series of community gatherings, Umoja Cypher Session, and original theatrical productions, A Love Like This and The Happening: A Theatrical Mixtape, Volume III.
ACCESS
But to truly provide access, you have to meet people where they are physically, mentally, culturally. Art Prevails Project provides not only live classes and workshops, but also free workshops presented through social media platforms and online open mic nights. Plus, events such as their ongoing community gathering Umoja Cypher sessions are intentionally held right in the heart of the community.
Art Prevails Project’s theatrical productions often shine a light on challenging and uncomfortable topics, such as school violence, effects of social media, and women's issues, that audiences are longing to see discussed and addressed. Often combining multiple performance art forms and mixed media in a way that each production includes something for everyone, Art Prevails Project presents these topics in a way that is entertaining, educational, and easily consumed.
IMPACT
Art Prevails Project has a model that creates positive impact both broad and deep in the South Florida community and beyond.
As an artist, I've personally had the privilege, the great joy of being a part of productions presented by Art Prevails Project. So, I've heard first-hand from audiences how much it meant to see timely, relatable stories presented. Emotional because a moment hit so perfectly close to home and filled with "thank yous", audience members often express their gratitude at having felt seen, having been represented in the story.
I've been able to witness people grow from their involvement with Art Prevails Project—and it is always a wonderful experience to see people grow. Children and young adults who participate in productions and programs often set foot into the performance space bewildered, perhaps a bit shy working on a new skill and by the end of the production, they have just blossomed. They've gained confidence on stage and confidence in their skills; and they beam with joy. That process of mentorship transforms them, and no one can take that moment away.
I've gotten to hear praise of the Art Prevails Project directly from young adults (and their parents) who were mentored through the organization and then went on to earn leadership roles in the organization and to become teachers and mentors themselves. Youth who participate in Art Prevails Project go on to make a difference in the world.
How many organizations or programs really know how to take a developing human by the hands and show them how to change the world around them, to guide them from student to leader and mentor? Not many. Art Prevails Project does that and so much more!
MAKE AN IMPACT
Three: MAKE AN IMPACT
It takes a lot of resources for Art Prevails Project to provide compelling, engaging, high quality artistic programming and learning opportunities for youth throughout South Florida. Arts Prevails Project members work tirelessly to do so, and they want to expand so they can provide equitable access to authentic artistic and cultural experiences to even more people.
I am an extremely proud champion and supporter of this organization, and I'm asking you to join me in supporting this truly impactful organization by donating to Art Prevails Project for Give Miami Day (November 18), a 24 hour online day of generosity hosted by The Miami Foundation.
By supporting Art Prevails Project, you too can make an impact!