Somali Cultural Programs
Within this plan, we will develop a series of cultural events (plays, speakers, presentations) that can be delivered live before an audience for educational purposes and/or videographed for preservation. These productions will amplify the custodians of Somali culture and will allow Somali artists to share their collective work, knowledge, and wisdom with the Somali and non-Somali communities. The majority of the events will be performed publicly and digitally recorded for future use and for preservation. Others will be filmed privately in a studio and will be edited and presented in a digestible way to the public. In addition to offering these productions to the public, we will also engage in a project that serves to preserve much of what has been undocumented to date within the Somali community. We will create a digital library of these performances and events for the purposes of preservation and to allow us to have a library of recordings that can be archived and used at future public events or used as part of our educational programming with school children. Finally, a written transcript, text, essay or explanation will also be produced for each performance. These texts will be produced in conjunction with the event or performance and will also be used for preservation, archival and educational purposes. These texts will explain in more detail what the audience is seeing or the history behind the performances. The digital texts will be archived along with the recordings of the performances.
$125,000.00 the first year and $125,000.00 the second year are for a grant to the Somali Museum of Minnesota for heritage arts and cultural vitality programs to provide classes, exhibits, presentations, and outreach about the Somali community and heritage in Minnesota.
Measurable goals of the programs are:
These will cover 2 fiscal years:
FY2024
Produce and present 15 Somali Cultural Programs (Events/workshops/classes)
Engage at least 15 Somali artists to share/educate the community of their knowledge and wisdom.
Cultivate 3 achievable of digital programs to share with the larger MN community
Present 5 programs in the greater MN - outside of Twin Cities Area
FY2025
Produce and present 15 Somali Cultural Programs (Events/workshops/classes)
Engage at least 15 Somali artists to share/educate the community of their knowledge and wisdom.
Cultivate 3 achievable of digital programs to share with the larger MN community
Present 5 programs in the greater MN - outside of Twin Cities Area
The Impact goals of these programs are:
For Somali cultural art forms to be passed to a new generation of Somali-American youth by bringing the content of the artwork in the Somali museum's extensive collection to life through storytelling, performances, demonstrations, and other hands-on learning activities.
For young Somali-Americans to gain appreciation and knowledge of their cultural roots and build relationships with older generations through learning about Somali art.
For non-Somali Minnesotans to gain understanding of the state's Somali communities through exposure to Somali culture and art.
For the Somali Museum to be seen as a welcoming and lively space where all Somali people can come together to learn about and celebrate their shared culture, experience and identity
Descriptions for some events:
Poetry in Nature Series:
The Poetry in Nature Series is an inspiring artistic initiative that brings together poets and nature enthusiasts to explore the intrinsic connection between Somali poetry and the natural world. In the serene setting of our museum garden or local parks, participants will immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while drawing inspiration from its elements to create poetic masterpieces. This series fosters a deep appreciation for nature's wonders and encourages the preservation of Somali poetic traditions that often celebrate the harmony between humans and the environment.
Women's Dance Class:
Our Women's Dance Class is a dynamic and empowering program that celebrates the art of traditional Somali dance. Led by skilled instructors, this class offers women of all ages and backgrounds a safe and supportive space to learn and practice the graceful movements and rhythmic expressions of Somali dance. Through dance, participants not only connect with their cultural heritage but also cultivate a sense of sisterhood and empowerment, embracing the strength and resilience embodied in Somali dance.
Weaving Classes:
Our Weaving Classes offer a captivating journey into the time-honored art of Somali weaving. Led by skilled artisans, participants will learn the intricate techniques and patterns that define traditional Somali weaving. As they create their own woven masterpieces, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of weaving in Somali heritage. This program fosters creativity, preserves traditional craftsmanship, and encourages intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Storytelling: Walk with the Ancestors:
"Walk with the Ancestors" is an enchanting storytelling event that transports audiences back in time to experience the wisdom and heritage of our Somali ancestors. Accompanied by engaging storytellers, participants will embark on a captivating journey through mythical tales, historical narratives, and personal anecdotes that shape the identity of the Somali community. This program celebrates the power of storytelling to preserve history, instill values, and foster a sense of shared cultural identity.
Schools: Travel Exhibit:
Our Travel Exhibit program brings the wonders of the Somali Museum directly to schools, libraries, and community centers. Through this mobile exhibition, students and community members have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of artifacts, artwork, and cultural displays that showcase the richness and diversity of Somali heritage. This initiative fosters cultural exchange, promotes understanding, and enables individuals to connect with the Somali culture in their own familiar spaces.
Educational Somali Content:
With the Educational Somali Content program, we aim to create a comprehensive and accessible resource that offers in-depth insights into Somali history, language, traditions, and contemporary life. This online platform will feature engaging videos, articles, and interactive materials that cater to diverse learning styles and age groups. By providing authentic educational content, we contribute to greater cultural awareness and appreciation both within and beyond the Somali community.
Aqal (Nomadic Home) Building Educational Viewing:
The Aqal Building Educational Viewing offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the iconic nomadic Somali home known as Aqal. Through interactive exhibits and guided tours, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the nomadic lifestyle, its architectural ingenuity, and the cultural significance of the Aqal within Somali communities. This program fosters cultural preservation and understanding of the nomadic heritage that is integral to Somali identity.
Programs in Schools, Libraries, and in the Community:
This initiative expands our reach to bring dynamic cultural programs directly to schools, libraries, and community venues. With a focus on inclusivity, we offer a diverse range of engaging workshops, performances, and presentations that cater to the unique interests and needs of each setting. By connecting with different audiences, we aim to foster cultural understanding and appreciation among individuals from all walks of life.
5 Programs Outside the Metro:
With the "5 Programs Outside the Metro" initiative, we seek to extend the impact of our cultural programs to communities beyond the metropolitan area. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we will bring our most compelling programs, such as storytelling events, traditional dance performances, and art workshops, to underserved regions in Minnesota. This effort promotes cultural accessibility and ensures that the rich heritage of the Somali community reaches all corners of the state.
Artists Collab:
The Artists Collab program is an exciting initiative that fosters collaboration between Somali artists and creative minds from various cultural backgrounds. This project will result in dynamic artistic expressions that blend diverse perspectives and celebrate the shared humanity among artists. By encouraging cross-cultural collaborations, we strive to create transformative art that challenges stereotypes, bridges cultural divides, and enriches the artistic landscape of Minnesota.
Achieved proposed outcomes