Project Art(is)+
Submitted by pzaragoza on Sat, 02/28/2009 - 15:31.
Last updated on Fri, 05/01/2009 - 19:39.
Vital Stats
ongoing project
People Impacted:
2300People Involved: 65
Project Photos
Project Video
The Problem
Art is human experience expressed. For children and teens who suffer from the effects of poverty are often repressed. While shooting a documentary in the Philippines about architecture, a group of street children eagerly gathered around me with so much excitement, following my every move. One of the children asked if she could have a turn to be in front of the camera. The other kids laughed and started calling her an “artista” (actress) and made jokes about how she was so ugly that she didn’t deserve to be in front of the camera. Before she could run away and cry, I told her that it was her turn. As soon as she regained her composure, I began filming her. She started talking about how she was abandoned by her mother and what struggles she had been facing. The same children who were laughing became quiet because they, too, have had similar experiences.
In developing nations like the Philippines, where the poverty rate can be as high as 90%, it is the children and teens that suffer the most. According to UNICEF, there is an estimated one million street children in the Philippines living in slum and squatter settlements. When survival consumes their hopes and dreams, desperation can lead them to become part of the alarming demographic that ends up in prison, due to offenses that range from petty crimes to prostitution.
Why It's Important
Each time I went to prison to conduct a workshop, more and more teens had been admitted. Seeing them lose the battle made me become passionate towards their plight. It is important to address this issue at hand because it can be prevented.
The mission of Project Art(is)+ is to empower the youth to rise above the limitations that poverty sets upon them. By enabling them to explore various forms of creative expression that lead to self-discovery through our art initiatives and film workshops, our goal is for the children and teens to realize their potential and have the motivation to move forward.
The Plan Of Action
Project Art(is)+ works together with various NGOs, governments, corporations, and individuals especially the marginalized youth in order to make a difference through a creative means. Through our art initiatives and film workshops that take place in Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States, we challenge children and teens to use media as an outlet to be seen, heard and understood as well as to engage audiences.
How Can Others Get Involved?
Throughout the year, we have various projects and events for you to get involved in. A new version of our website will be launching soon that will have more information regarding these opportunities.
Project Updates
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Comments
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Hi Pilar!
Your program is so touching and creative. I started a program that brings free hip-hop dance classes to underprivileged youth in Santa Barbara - www.everybodydancenowsb.org, but I have recently become very interested in how the arts (for me, specifically dance, dance therapy, etc.) can be used to affect people, especially children, in war-torn countries where they have suffered trauma. I'm also taking a class next year where we teach dance in prisons. I'd love to connect at some point, and maybe you can help me get involved in some groups abroad where I can bring dance to!
Congratulations on being a Do Something finalist, and I wish you the best of luck.
-Jackie
Hi Jackie,
Thank you for your kind words. It sounds like you are up to some exciting things as well. I would love to discuss dance therapy with you further. There are so many children who could benefit from it. Please feel free to email me at: pzaragoza@projectartist.org
I wish you continued success with your project!
-Pilar
Hi,
I'm Tawnie and I really like what you're doing with this project. I was browsing projects when I found one that was similar to this one. It's called Art Is The Cure and it supports all sorts of artists. The man who started it has helped multiple people out of depression and self harm, along with his own experiences. You should look it up. I think he could get pretty far with it if he had the support. I wish I could do something but I live in a rural town in Alaska and it doesn't look like I'm going to get anywhere near where he is to help. For now, it's just online help and trying to spread the word about it. If you could, though, just look up his project and see if you can help at all. Thanks,
-Tawnie