Project Art(is)+
the problem:
The familiar sight of seeing street children begging on the streets, scavenging for food, and sleeping on the sidewalks, barely touches upon the struggles that they face due to the repercussions of poverty. The reality that exists is that survival consumes their hopes and dreams. Desperation can lead them to become part of the alarming demographic that ends up in prison due to petty crimes and more serious offenses, such as prostitution, drug trafficking, and murder for hire.
vital stats:
people impacted:
3,100people involved:
65why it's important:
Over the years, I have learned that many of the crimes that the children committed were preventable. When it comes time for them to make decisions regarding their livelihood and finding a means to support their basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, the more informed they are about their options could mean the difference between freedom and imprisonment.
the plan of action:
In 2006, I began Project Artist, with the mission of empowering at-risk youth through the arts to realize their potential and have the motivation to move forward. Throughout the year, the organization conducts film workshops and art initiatives with street children and incarcerated minors. These programs are geared towards challenging the children to tell their stories, using new media, and giving them an opportunity to be seen, heard, and understood. In sharing the children’s films and artwork with international audiences, they have brought awareness to their plight. It has also fostered a sense of community amongst their peers and provided them with a source of hope and inspiration.
how you can get involved:
For the latest updates on our current projects and for more information on how to get involved, please visit us on twitter: http://twitter.com/projectartist
For further questions, please contact: info@projectartist.org
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Comments
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
Hey there, my name is Maria, but I grew up being called Paula. I grew up in Philippines moving around alot and I grew up as one of those "street" kids. I just wanted to let you know that I think what you're doing is amazing. I love art and I love my country (Philippines and America) and I love that you found a way to combine those two. Seeing your org. work on this reminds me and gives me comfort that the friends I left at home, have a chance of a better future. Although I lost contact with most of them, I'm sure that they would have loved your cause. So on behalf of them, I'd like to thank you.
Thanks for your comment kiran4321! If you need more information or have any further questions, feel free to send us an email!
The Youth to Project Art(is)+!
My name is Cory Ley and I was looking at your project and would really like to network, help expand your idea with marketing/funding and to give you some insight about our "Vision" for our company. My cousin and I started a company called The Youth LLC and we ARE going to impact 19,000+ Youth in Central Minnesota, plus thousands nationally and internationally with FB, dosomething.org, Cafepress and our upcoming Youth Forum/Blog. We cover topics that include; BMX, Skateboarding, Inline, Music, to Art, Leadership and Entrepreneurship." Click here to check out the Youth!
Please contact us @ TheYouth@charter.net (with your project name) for ways we can work together and also ask about our newly forming group "Youth! Alliance".:)
With much thanks and gratitude,
C. Ley
Youth LLC
CEO/Visionary
www.TheYouth.me
TheYouth@charter.net
(320) 493-9988 (Office)