Guest post
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 4:59PM Today's post comes from OMB-NOLA's intern Leigh Durham. One Million Bones is all about connections, between individuals and our cause, between individuals and each other, between organizations. This blog reflects on one of the organizations and the great kids that are part of it that have become integral to the OMB NOLA project.
Leigh writes:
As we begin the New Year, we wanted to reflect on the ways in which art and activism can produce a powerful impact when combined. In New Orleans, we have partnered with a group that exemplifies this connection: YAYA, or Young Aspirations/Young Artists. The after-school program works with the city’s youth and uses artistic expression as a means of gaining leadership and entrepreneurial experience, as well as benefiting the community. Students also have access to wide variety of cultural opportunities, including travel in the U.S. and abroad, during which young artists have the chance to visit art museums, exhibit art, and even sell their work.
Locally, YAYA artists engage the community by leading the URBAN HEROES workshop program, visiting city schools and spreading the power of art to other students. Another aspect of the YAYA curriculum involves a social justice initiative, SilenceIsViolence. The anti-violence campaign and YAYA have partnered to hold Art Speaks events as a way to frankly discuss issues relating to crime, drugs, climate change, and other relevant issues while simultaneously brainstorming a public art installation in response. We’re inspired by the accomplishments of these young artists to develop their skills, and react to community problems with thoughtful dialogue and beautiful artwork. As founder Jana Napoli stated in the program’s initial vision: "Given the right tools and a fertile environment, creative young people can do extraordinary things."
Our OMB NOLA team also wants to share this great news:
…a new studio location! In order to accommodate the growing number of volunteers as we move towards our installation in March, a larger space was necessary. One Million Bones NOLA is now located at 720 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70130.
And we know the kiln is up and firing. Look out, there will be bones everywhere!
Reader Comments (4)
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Regards,
people
Sounds like a great idea because young people need more information about the art world, understand how it works, able to express themselves through other means, and have more artistic culture.
Very informative and insightful. After reading here, i feel a need to say thanks and continue to do such good work and wonderful blogging.
It is a good way to enhance collaboration and leadership of young people