VSA arts of Michigan creates and maintains a simulated work environment for youth apprentices in which they can find hidden talents and express their creativity. artsJAM is a model program inwhich professional artists, with and without disabilities, serve as mentor/teachers. The artists have received training in working with learners with disabilities, and bring their professional knowledge and passion for their art form to the program. Youth are engaged in the visual arts, music, dance, drama, rap, creative writing and poetry. Apprentices are taken on field trips to other cultural institutions in order to expand their experience of the cultural diversity of the city, and to provide them with information for potential career opportunities in the future.
Life skills and social skills training are integrated into the arts activities with the help of a certified social worker. These activities include conflict resolution, teambuilding and leadership skills. The typical arts session ends with personal and group reflection. These reflections are conducted in various ways including discussion, poetry, creative writing and personal behavior charting. Apprentices are supported and encouraged to continually work on improving their performance, participation, and to challenge themselves to try new ideas. artsJAM Detroit! has developed collaborations with the Detroit Institute of Arts, Wayne State University Maggie Allesee Department of Dance, and Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. Activities take place at our studio and/or at partnering agency sites. Developing additional partners in the community is a priority. In Fint, artsJAM collaborates with the Ruth Mott Foundation, The Flint Institute of Arts, and The Greater Flint Arts Council; and in Copper Country, artsJam partners with Oakhouse.
“I am not as bothered about negative comments about myself as I used to” Sharon – 15
“I have become more open and able to share and talk about my problems” Ebonni – 17
“I thought art was just painting but now I know that art is about feelings and it comes from the heart” Crystal – 15
“I have become more creative at home by the way I do things around the house” Stephanie – 15
If you are interested in creating an artsJAM program in your community please contact Lora Frankel
This program has support from The Skillman Foundation, school district flow-though IDEA funding, a mini-grant from the Youth Sports and Recreation Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and a grant from the 2005-2006 Community Development Block Grant/Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, and in Flint, the Ruth Mott Foundation. Initial funding was provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, VSA arts, Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services, MCACA, and the City of Detroit Cultural Affairs Department.