| Our latest ArtVentures program | Artwork by Katie Aboudou and Binta Coulibaly |
When faced with difficult times, we turn to the arts.
Many systemic and social issues have gained renewed visibility in the past few years. Artists for Social Change uses the arts to unpack specific social change issues, break down barriers, process collective experiences, and ultimately build agency to address these issues within our communities.
In recent years, we have seen many social issues brought to the forefront, including systemic racism, voter suppression, gun violence, climate change, and the list goes on.
Our work at Carpe Diem Arts has always been focused on creating opportunities for artists of diverse backgrounds to unite, energize and inspire individuals and communities through the arts. We see our role as creating a safe space for personal growth and dialogue, allowing the arts to bring us together, from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life.
To that end, we present our Artists for Social Change program, employing visual, literary and performing artists to serve as guides to others in their learning journey---breaking down barriers, helping individuals and communities build agency, and providing an outlet for creative expression to better understand and reflect the world around us.
If you are interested in participating in Artists for Social Change, either as an artist, workshop participant, or program host, please email info@carpediemarts.org.
The Arts Fuel Change
An example of an Artists for Social Change program, our weeklong day camp for middle-schoolers focused on how the Arts plays a role in creating social change.
In 2023, we held a dynamic week of camp full of fun artistic activities connected to exploration of Migration and Youth.
In 2022, we explored issues around the environment and air quality, built an air purifier, played the ukulele, and collaboratively wrote songs and created visual art to promote change.
Camp runs 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Monday. 2024 dates to come soon. Camp location in Old Town Takoma Park.
2021 CAMP PROGRAM
In our 2021 weeklong day camp, youth aged 11-14 investigated issues of Education and Immigration. They discussed inequities in education and explored the intersectionality of education and the American Dream. Campers listened and discussed related youth radio stories, recorded interviews with their parents and their own commentaries. After a brief review of migration from the beginning of man, students investigated reasons for movement, borders and what they mean, and who is allowed and not allowed to move. Throughout the weeklong camp, art and its ability to shape opinion in various forms was discussed, created, and the youth wrote their own song about the American Dream and what it means to them today. Featuring Denise Jones and Munit Mesfin.
Capturing and creating stories that matter