We plan to use the 10 success principles to explore how the arts can provide healing for our young people and our community with activities inspiring and encouraging cultural harmony and peace. The Youth Arts Initiative is uniquely poised use the arts to build bridges of understanding among all young people in our community.
All art forms host respective culminating events throughout the year to showcase the youth’s hard work. The art forms will come together for the Youth Arts Initiative’s holiday showcase at the Eastside Boys & Girls Club in December and the spring showcase next May at the Paramount Center for the Arts.
“The Mardag Foundation is proud to continue our support with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota with a grant this year,” said Mardag Foundation’s Program Officer Tiffany Kong. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota is devoted to providing youth with a safe, supportive environment, positive relationships with peers and adults, and increased opportunities to learn and develop. The Mardag Foundation seeks ways to ensure access to high quality education and enrichment opportunities through supporting organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. We also invest in efforts to ensure all children and youth have their individual educational needs met in preparation for a successful future. The Foundations are proud to continue to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota to continue the work they are doing in the community.”
“Being involved in the arts enables youth at the Boys & Girls Club to discover their unique talents and creativity,” said Mimi Bitzan, Boys & Girls Club Board Member. “They learn to work together and seek constructive feedback on their ideas. These kids are building community and cultural understanding by using the arts to express their vision of how our world can be better, stronger and more connected. We are thankful for this opportunity from Mardag Foundation to continue to expand and deepen our arts programming.”