Equity and Inclusion Cabinet Announces Second Annual Artivism Student Program

The City of Boston Equity and Inclusion Cabinet today announced that the second annual Artivism Student Program will take place from April 18th to April 21st and open to 12-17 year old students across Massachusetts. The four day program will be held at the newly renovated Boston Arts Academy at 174 Ipswich Street from 9:00AM – 5:00 PM. This program grants young artists in Boston opportunities to engage in artmaking rooted in storytelling and social justice and learn how to use art as a tool for social change. Students will work closely with experienced community leaders to learn how to use their creativity to make a positive impact on society. The instructors include Demi Brown, dance teaching artist; BMike Odums, visual art teaching artist; Amanda Shea, poetry teaching artist; and Danny Rivera, music teaching artist.

“Artivism provides a platform for our youth to express themselves through the art while making a positive impact on the world around them,” said Lori Nelson, Senior Advisor for Racial Justice. “We believe young people have the power to change the world and we want to encourage them to do so.” 

The Artivism Student Program aims to inspire and empower young people to use art as a tool for social change. Throughout the week, enrolled students are offered a unique opportunity to explore various forms of artistic expression including music, dance, creative writing, and visual arts. Additionally, students will use their chosen medium to describe and tell their stories to the community about racial equity, social justice, and resilience. This year, the program will focus on ensuring a greater understanding of the contributions of Black people who impact social and political change in their community here in Boston and globally.

Artivism brings awareness to the rich history of Boston and those who made an impact on the culture of future artists. With sessions focused on teaching the importance of art, racial justice and storytelling, the program will demonstrate the impact of arts programs on young people across Boston’s neighborhoods. Art as a form of expression will be used to express how the students view the world. Creative expression through art, poetry, and song is an integral part of movement-making throughout history. Artists transcend barriers with their work to express issues and advocate for racial justice. 

“Creativity at this age is expansional,” Danny Rivera, singer, songwriter, record producer, and civil rights activist. “We must teach and mentor the children in the world today. Boston is evolving racially, economically, socially, and mentally. I am proud to be part of the change. Artivism is making a lifelong impact in the lives of our youth today. My goal is to inspire and leave a legacy. Artivism supports my goals.”

Participation in the program, including Breakfast, lunch, snacks and art materials, are provided at no cost to families and caretakers. Parents may register their children on the City of Boston’s website at www.boston.gov/artivism.