The Crib Collective

Description

The artistic focus of The Crib is on preparing youth for leadership in social change AND on strengthening the impact of their efforts. We believe that art in various forms offers immense potential for reflection, planning, creation of transformational community experiences and organizing a power base. Yet, we are still at the outset of exploring this potential and integrating it throughout our social change strategy. This is the focus of the proposed project.

Arts and artists have been a foundational part of The Crib Collective since our inception and our expertise is rapidly expanding. We opened our doors in 2002 with the Open Mic program and brought over a thousand young people through that year. Each Open Mic event has featured local artists at various stages in their careers ? some signed and touring (like Kevin Coval and Idris Goodwin) others just beginning to work the circuits, but all intent on having a positive impact. Our staff includes 4 high quality artists ? two visual artists who are students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and two spoken word and recording artists who are contracted with local performance venues. We are home to Luv?n?Dedication Studios and its CEO.