The program is specifically designed to support the cultural advancement of the African-American community in this area. Historically, this community has faced systemic disadvantages that have impacted its cultural vitality. By identifying, supporting, and strengthening various aspects of African-American culture, this program aims to preserve and protect the community's rich heritage. The African-American church, a longstanding symbol of unity and preservation, will serve as a key venue for these activities, providing an ideal location for these community events.
Mu Performing Arts will produce Mu Daiko with Hanayui in its first official taiko tour, bringing Mu's distinct Midwest expression of taiko alongside the best from Japan to greater Minnesota audiences.
Professional theater artists will work for and with the West Side neighborhood of St. Paul to create a community-engaged theater production in which community stories inspire the script and score, and professional and community actors share the stage.
Given Minnesota students choose the arts and science as electives instead of having them as core curriculum, the purpose of this grant is to engage and enrich the lives of lifelong learners through effectively integrating the arts and sciences in our program.
To make theater accessible to the non-English speaking Hmong community, we will mount the play "Confessions of a Lazy Hmong Woman"in Hmong and nurture the talents of nontraditional Hmong actors.
Koom Siab United Hearts--a year-round Pan-Asian dance learning project--provides diverse Asian dance classes to disadvantaged Asian American youth to acquire knowledge/skills, and participate at Koom Siab Pan Asian dance performance.
The Minnesota Music Coalition will produce and promote a statewide tour of performances and workshops featuring established and emerging musicians and bands working in fine arts presenting venues.