LIVING ARTS BLOG
Living Arts Presented with Spirit of Detroit Award!
On Thursday, October 17, Council Member Raquel Casteneda-Lopez stopped by the Ford Resource and Engagement Center (FREC-Mercado) to spend some time with the Living Arts community. As members of District 6 (Casteneda-Lopez’s constituency) the Council Member gave an update on upcoming changes in Southwest and answered questions from our families.
All photos by: Diamond Davis.
On Thursday, October 17, Council Member Raquel Casteneda-Lopez stopped by the Ford Resource and Engagement Center (FREC-Mercado) to spend some time with the Living Arts community. As members of District 6 (Casteneda-Lopez’s constituency) the Council Member gave an update on upcoming changes in Southwest and answered questions from our families.
The Council Member also stopped by to present a Spirit of Detroit Award to Living Arts! The award was presented in honor of 20 years of service to Detroit youth and the Southwest neighborhood. Director of Programs Erika Villarreal Bunce accepted the award on behalf of our staff, teaching artists, board members, students, and families.
We’re so proud to receive this significant recognition of our work! Thank you to Council Member Casteneda-Lopez and to the City of Detroit for their support of our work.
Reflections on our 20th Year
Due to a somewhat fortuitous structural issue in our office basement, the Living Arts team got to spend a few afternoons this spring going through decades-old organizational boxes in preparation for construction to begin. Together, we sifted through photos of youth from 1999, hand-written lesson plans integrating visual art and science, and teaching artist rosters of familiar names and folks gone by. We found “3rd Annual Showcase” posters, fundraising events that we’ve outgrown, old board meeting minutes, grant receipts from some of our longtime partners, and copies of very meager annual budgets. We laughed about some of the dated work and were left with great admiration of the people who have built this organization to where it is today. Living Arts is still a very clear and steadfast reflection of all the things we found — just a little bit bigger.
Due to a somewhat fortuitous structural issue in our office basement, the Living Arts team got to spend a few afternoons this spring going through decades-old organizational boxes in preparation for construction to begin. Together, we sifted through photos of youth from 1999, hand-written lesson plans integrating visual art and science, and teaching artist rosters of familiar names and folks gone by. We found “3rd Annual Showcase” posters, fundraising events that we’ve outgrown, old board meeting minutes, grant receipts from some of our longtime partners, and copies of very meager annual budgets. We laughed about some of the dated work and were left with great admiration of the people who have built this organization to where it is today. Living Arts is still a very clear and steadfast reflection of all the things we found — just a little bit bigger.
Milestones certainly help us mark what has come before, and celebrating Living Arts’ 20th year this year has been an exercise in reflection, joy, and growth. As I’ve been fortunate to navigate and watch the organization blossom the past three years, I can say confidently there is something extraordinarily remarkable about the work that has been built, championed, and accomplished by every single person who has been part of the mission over the past two decades. Living Arts is the true embodiment of what it means to fight—no matter what—for art and youth in our city.
This past year has been no different. We have seen great success innovating in programs, operations, and development -- and it has undoubtedly been our most impactful year yet. And while I am so proud of the depth and intentionality we’ve shown in all aspects of our mission, I want to emphasize that no matter the data points, our work will always be centered first around relationships and responsivity.
Some of the things I’m particularly proud of include:
Deepening our early childhood work into independently owned and informal childhood spaces in partnership with the Brightmoor Quality Initiative in Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood and with Congress of Communities and Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation in Southwest Detroit.
Expanding our cultural production through a dance intensive with Penny Godboldo, Miryam Johnson, Chi Amen-Ra, and Ozzie Rivera, which culminated in a performance at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Revamping our after-school program model and streamlining our registration processes.
Launching a 20th Anniversary Fund for program expansion with a generous gift from visual artist, Jason “Revok” Williams.
Onboarding 6 new board members and 4 new staff, while creating a first-ever Communications role.
Launching a 3-year evaluation in partnership with Research for Action to assess the impact our Detroit Wolf Trap program has on classroom teachers.
Responding to an evolving school district and city and deepening our teaching artists’ understanding of new curriculum.
Transitioning many disjointed data systems to a unified CRM database.
Receiving a Spirit of Detroit Award for 20 years of service.
Culmination is a key moment in artistic practice. It is the moment where an artist says, "this might not be perfect, but I have practiced long enough to be proud of everything I've learned along the way." This year, we culminated 20 years of Living Arts in so many important ways.
That said, we’ve only just begun! Soon, we’ll launch a comprehensive 2020-2025 strategic plan focused on expansion, so that even more children in Detroit will be able to have access to high-quality arts education. What I also know is that we won’t be able to do it without you. I am so grateful for the board, staff, committee members, families, youth, funders, volunteers, arts partners, educators, and community members who continue to make it all happen.
Here’s to the next 20 years of Living Arts!
20th Anniversary Fund Update!
In the years ahead, Living Arts will accelerate and grow our impact by reaching 30,000 children and teens by 2030—with intensive, multi-session experiences in the arts that are delivered by skilled and experienced Teaching Artists.
In the years ahead, Living Arts will accelerate and grow our impact by reaching 30,000 children and teens by 2030—with intensive, multi-session experiences in the arts that are delivered by skilled and experienced Teaching Artists.
The $100,000 20th Anniversary Fund will position Living Arts to build on our achievements and preparation, as well as respond to new opportunities in ways that continue to move our mission forward.
A recent and very generous grant from The Peck Foundation has helped us secure a total of more than $70,000 towards our $100,000 goal by December 31st.
To donate to the Fund, click here.
Celebrating 20 Years of Living Arts
Last Thursday April 11th, Living Arts celebrated a milestone 20th anniversary in the Crystal Ballroom of the historic Detroit Masonic Temple. Kicking off the evening with a step and repeat welcome, guests were invited to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the reception area and to explore the gallery of 20 years of Living Arts work. VIP guests were treated to swag bags filled with goodies from hand tie-dyed towels to chocolates from Bon Bon Bon, a private lounge area, and a tour of the Masonic Temple.
An Evening for Living Arts: Celebrating 20 Years held in the Crystal Ballroom at the historic Detroit Masonic Temple on April 11, 2019. All photos: Julianne Lindsay
Last Thursday April 11th, Living Arts celebrated a milestone 20th anniversary in the Crystal Ballroom of the historic Detroit Masonic Temple. Kicking off the evening with a step and repeat welcome, guests were invited to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the reception area and to explore the gallery of 20 years of Living Arts work. VIP guests were treated to swag bags filled with goodies from hand tie-dyed towels to chocolates from Bon Bon Bon, a private lounge area, and a tour of the Masonic Temple.
The program for the evening opened with Executive Director Alissa Novoselick sharing our story of growth and impact. “From one dance class with a handful of students in a church basement to serving over 50,000 youth.” Citing supportive parents, engaging teaching artists, and excited youth, Novoselick also gave a heartfelt nod to the staff and board, as well as the endless hours of grant writing and hustle.
After encouraging the audience to dream big about the future of Detroit’s youth “where every, single child, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity and ability to connect to the creative process and grow through instruction and guidance from an exceptional teaching artist”, Novoselick acknowledged the evening’s sponsors and supporters and welcomed Sterling Toles, the host for the evening.
Toles, a Detroit native, DJ/producer, Kresge fellow, and long-standing teaching artist for Living Arts was an excellent host and story teller. With admiration and respect, Toles introduced colleagues with anecdotes that made the audience laugh and cheer. When speaking of Director of Dance, Marianne Brass, Toles spoke about “the pitter-patter of tiny tap shoes, sounding like the cutest little thunderstorm”. When speaking of Karilú Alarcón Forshee, he spoke of his admiration for managing toddlers with grace, whereas sometimes his class would end in light chaos.
He shared his love of hip hop and the connection of cultural reinvention with hip hop instructor Daishiro Tsushima, and spoke of all the talents and many hats worn by veteran teaching artist Natasha Beste and her animation students. And when speaking of student Diamond Davis, his pride in her development as an artist and young woman shone through.
The program featured two dance performances for the evening. One by the Youth Dance Ensemble performing a 2013 throwback lyrical dance entitled Caminos to Calle 13’s “Latinoamérica”. The other, a demonstration of popping/locking, breaking, freestyle, and vogue by the hyper-energetic advanced hip hop class. Three videos were also presented: an animation from Beste’s students on how creating art makes them feel; a profile of Alarcón Forshee and her Detroit Wolf Trap classes; and a retrospective reflection video of the people who have made Living Arts a thriving organization over the last 20 years.
Diamond Davis, a long-standing student with the organization shared her experience of creativity and mentorship. Entrusted to be a peer mentor herself, Davis recalled being tasked with putting together 2018’s Open Arts Fest by Program Manager, Zack Bissell. Davis cites Bissell as a “great blessing” in her life who “has pushed me [sic] to do so much”. She spoke of going off to college, but returning to shadow Bissell to learn more from him.
Novoselick returned to the stage to then speak about honored guest for the evening, Jason REVOK. Following an agreement with a corporation over the improper usage of his artwork, REVOK gifted the funds to four Detroit-based arts organizations, including Living Arts. “We want to express our deepest gratitude to you, in person, in front of all of these people, for your transformative gift. Your generosity will allow us to enter our third decade, ready to take on projects that would have been inconceivable 20 years ago.” As a token of gratitude, Novoselick presented a framed photo of Living Arts’ students signed by the youth.
Rounding out the program, Matt Nahan, Board Member and Development Committee Chair, introduced the connections made possible by the people in the room and those in the Living Arts community. He then announced that with the gift REVOK presented, the organization halfway to their goal of a $100,000 20th Anniversary Fund. The Fund, Nahan explained, would “allow us to invest in the future of Detroit’s youth by creating new community and educational partnerships, build relationships with some of the area's most exciting artists, and provide the tools and resources to make it all happen. ”
Closing out the evening, Toles gave thanks to the attendees, and sent applause to the rafters for DJs Brendan Asante and student-DJ Johnathan. Toles invited all guests to stay for champagne and desserts and to explore the animation station, gallery, and enjoy one another’s company.
An Evening for Living Arts raised $75,000 in sponsorship and ticket sales and an additional $10,000 toward the 20th Anniversary Fund (bringing the Fund’s current total to $60,000).
For more information on the 20th Anniversary Fund please contact Tara Toumaala at tara@livingartsdetroit.org.
Get to Know Before You Go: REVOK
Visual artist Jason “REVOK” Williams is turning his agreement with clothing retailing H&M into a $50,000 twentieth anniversary present for Living Arts. Williams’ gift will be used to launch a $100,000 fundraising initiative and set plans in motion to expand services and reach more than 30,000 Detroit-area children and teens by 2030.
Visual artist Jason “REVOK” Williams is turning his agreement with clothing retailer H&M into a $50,000 twentieth anniversary present for Living Arts. Williams’ gift will be used to launch a $100,000 fundraising initiative and set plans in motion to expand services and reach more than 30,000 Detroit-area children and teens by 2030.
Williams explained the motivation behind his gift saying, "As more and more arts programs are pulled from public schools, the ongoing support of groups like Living Arts becomes even more crucial. Living Arts' program is well-established over 20 years of experience, and brings thoughtful arts education to people of all ages and backgrounds."
Living Arts’ Executive Director, Alissa Novoselick, said, “REVOK has turned his tenacity in standing up for artists’ rights into a gift that will serve Detroit youth through the arts for the next decade. His generosity will be transformational for our organization and allow us to continue to gain ground towards our vision for a Detroit in which all young people have access to high-quality arts education.”
Living Arts will celebrate the milestone anniversary and launch the 20th Anniversary Fund at An Evening for Living Arts: Celebrating 20 Years on April 11th at the Detroit Masonic Temple. REVOK will be the Honored Guest for the evening. Novoselick continued, “There’s going to be a whole crowd of people waiting to thank REVOK our event. His commitment and partnership are going to be a great jumpstart for Living Arts and the youth we serve.”
For tickets to An Evening for Living Arts: Celebrating 20 Years, click here.
Support for Detroit Arts Education: An Interview with Dr. Rita Fields
Valentine’s Day is not normally a holiday I celebrate. In my relationship, every day is a chance to show one another love and appreciation, so it’s not a an extra special time for us. But this year, I got the chance to spend some time talking with Dr. Rita Fields, SHRM-SCP. If you’re not familiar with Dr. Fields, get familiar.
Valentine’s Day is not normally a holiday I celebrate. In my relationship, every day is a chance to show one another love and appreciation, so it’s not a an extra special time for us. But this year, I got the chance to spend some time talking with Dr. Rita Fields, SHRM-SCP. If you’re not familiar with Dr. Fields, get familiar.
Born and raised in Detroit, Dr. Fields overcame extreme adversity, including street homelessness. Though she experienced what some might call set-backs in life, she didn’t allow that to stop her path to success. Today, she’s dual CEO of both 313 Industries, a CNC machining and milling corporation and Copper Phoenix Consulting, LLC where she offers expertise on talent and operations management. She is also a professor at the school of management at the University of Michigan, a healthcare administrator at Central Michigan University, and a dissertation advisor in the PHOD Program at Assumption University in Bangkok, Thailand. In addition, she sits on several boards including the South Oakland Shelter and Coalition on Temporary Shelter, is a mother, and all around black excellence. So imagine my excitement when I got to spend my Valentine’s afternoon speaking with a truly inspiring human.
After initially discussing our respective backgrounds and experiences with hardship, the millennial perspective on success (do more, be better), and living a life with gratitude and reflection, we got into the heart of why Dr. Fields is a supporter and sponsor of Living Arts.
KCR: Can you describe yourself in 5 words?
Dr. Fields: I am living on purpose. Yeah…I think that’s exactly how I’d describe myself.
KCR: I love that! I’m going to adopt that if you don’t mind.
Dr. Fields: Not at all.
KCR: So, let’s dig in. How did you become involved with Living Arts and what has your involvement looked like over time?
Dr. Fields: I connected with Alissa [Executive Director, Alissa Novoselick] a year ago. We went to one of my favorite places to talk and we connected. She invited me to be on the steering committee for last year’s event [An Evening For Living Arts]. I don’t really do that sort of thing, but I’m pro-Detroit and pro-children of Detroit. And I just think the work Living Arts does is absolutely incredible.
KCR: What motivates you to support the work of organizations like Living Arts? Why did you choose to support Living Arts as a business sponsor for An Evening for Living Arts?
Dr. Fields: Like I said, I’m very invested in Detroit, and the children of Detroit especially. I just think that the work Living Arts does in schools, in the community, is so important, so I felt it was important to support the work.
KCR: What makes you passionate about the arts and arts education?
Dr. Fields: Almost all of my life, I’ve been business focused and linear. I’m pretty new to the art world and I certainly wouldn’t consider myself an expert. But I started working with arts education organizations and really started to see how art transforms people. And I started to read business articles about how being creative makes you better at business. Art is so expansive and adds a more vibrant side to living.
KCR: Where do you see the work of Living Arts making a bigger impact in the community?
Dr. Fields: Living Arts will make a bigger impact when more people know about it. I think Living Arts should tell its story and let the children tell their story. This upcoming 20th anniversary celebration will show just how meaningful the impact Living Arts has on the community.