Creative Seeds offers preventative and post- trauma programs using arts education as therapeutic assistance for communities in need. Our goal is to instill the importance of self-expression, education, wellness and interconnectedness.
We offer our participants the opportunity to experience the idea that self and community extends far beyond the parameters of one's neighborhood, village, and even national borders. Creative Seeds combines the study of various art forms with the practice of yoga to support the emotional health and development of the youth and communities we serve. Building meaningful relationships and cross cultural connections, CS inspires participants to become social agents within their own communities and sees this effort as an essential component in the development of strong, compassionate and conscious adults
Description
Creative Seeds pilot program is an international artistic exchange between under-privileged students in New York City and The Eluxolweni Boys Home in Port St. Johns, South Africa. Using photography, theatre and yoga, Creative Seeds is a preventative and post trauma program with an inventive curriculum offering arts based instruction as a vehicle for self-discovery, and empowerment. Through the exchange of poetry, photographs, personal stories and video, participants begin to identify with universal aspirations and struggles. Creative Seeds believes that a holistic approach is necessary for giving individuals the tools to become strong self- advocates by applying art as a means of cross-cultural communication. The culminating project is a multimedia performance in both countries, based on the connections formed, ideas shared and the work exchanged. Creative Seeds meets each person right where they are, providing a safe space to experience that we all have the ability to transform pain into power.
The second phase of the project will take us to the Eluxolweni Boys Home to teach a hands-on intensive workshop in photography and theatre. Each day will include yoga classes to increase awareness, concentration and wellness. CS will implement a teacher-training program in theatre, photography and yoga allowing members of the community to establish long-term sustainability. In addition to the classes at the Boys Home, we will offer daily open yoga classes at the community center exploring the themes of interconnectedness, health, and self-awareness. A weekly community meal following the yoga session will provide an open forum for discussing social concerns and potential solutions.
