Project Grant

The two major outcomes we are working toward include: 1) A heightened awareness of and appreciation for African arts in Central MN. 2) Arts/culture education is integrated into a mainstream community celebration. Often times, exposure to other culture is a first step toward changing negative attitudes about that culture. Bringing African arts into a well-known community event that rarely shines a lot on the immigrant experience holds the potential to act as this initial introduction. 3) Artists will be encouraged to sell their crafts. Potential outcomes include: - 600+ attendees, 50% African and 50% white. -15% of attendees experiencing African culture in Saint Cloud for the first time. A significant display of cultures, art, music, dance, drumming, and storytelling would be a minimum of three African cultural groups represented at the celebration.; This event will promote social and intercultural education through artistic expression and interaction at a free public event. The Fred Yiran African Arts Day will be held on the final day of Granite City Days on June 25th, 2023, as part of the Family Fun Day / World Heritage Day at Lake George in St. Cloud. The event will be held from 12:00 - 4:00 pm. Diverse populations will be adequately represented (African and non African). There will be a significant display (over 10 performers) of African cultures through art, music, storytelling, food, bead making, and dance. The two major outcomes we are working toward include: 1) A heightened awareness of and appreciation for African arts in Central MN. 2) Arts/culture education is integrated into a mainstream community celebration. Often times, exposure to other culture is a first step toward changing negative attitudes about that culture. Bringing African arts into a well-known community event that rarely shines a lot on the immigrant experience holds the potential to act as this initial introduction. 3) Artists will be encouraged to sell their crafts. Potential outcomes include: - 600+ attendees, 50% African and 50% white. -15% of attendees experiencing African culture in Saint Cloud for the first time. A significant display of cultures, art, music, dance, drumming, and storytelling would be a minimum of three African cultural groups represented at the celebration. Photograph/video event to document the diversity. Count attendees who are White or African. Count # of people who engage with event via Facebook. Chronicle event using photos, videos, and interviews. Use Survey Monkey to evaluate teamwork and event.