You may have noticed that we haven’t updated our site very recently. We are sorry. The good news, however, is that A3 has been going through some major changes and developing exciting projects and programs behind the scenes. Once labor day weekend hits, expect a new and improved website and all sorts of other info to get busy with. In the meantime, if you have any questions, comments or ideas email us: info@artactionawareness.org.
Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MJ!
ART ACTION AWARENESS, JAMIVA BOXING, AND JORDANIAN ATHLETES FROM RIGHT TO PLAY at CHURCH STREET BOXING GYM
ART ACTION AWARENESS and Jamiva Boxing have joined forces to provide at-risk youth with unique, specialized boxing training. We provide youth with compassion, sensitivity and tools for personal development while offering disciplined and professional boxing training with top-notch trainers. As we teach the art of boxing we also provide our students with avenues to grow intellectually, politically and socially.
We have been working with the young women at GEMS (www.gems-girls.org) ages 13-21 for 2 1/2 months on site in Harlem. GEMS is an organization whose missions is to empower young women who have experienced sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and develop their full potential. We will be bringing them to Church St. boxing gym for training beginning this week! Many of the girls have expressed interest in pursuing boxing seriously and becoming assistant coaches. Here is what some of them have to say:
“As I box, I feel as though I can take over the world. It keeps me motivated and gives me more confidence and strength in my ability to achieve and succeed as a winner. I’m glad that I have the opportunity to exercise certain skills that I never really knew I had until Vanessa helped me discover my strengths. Boxing also helps me relieve stress and keeps my mind off the unimportant things in my life. I hope to keep on practicing and become a much stronger fighter.” Ericka P., GEMS Member
“Boxing is a good outlet to clear my mind from all my day-to-day problems. It helps me focus and feel good mentally. It gives me something to look forward to.” Cynthia M., GEMS Member
“Boxing is a unique experience for the girls at GEMS that can help them blossom in many ways. Due to the severe trauma that our members have endured, we have found that creative and alternative programming works best to serve their needs. The Boxing Group has quickly proven to be a “favorite” among out members who look forward to the group each week. They are beginning to learn skills, get in tune with their bodies, and channel their anger in a healthy way. “ Julie Laurence, Clinical Director at GEMS.
In addition to working with the young women of GEMS, our boxing programming serves youth from the community of East New York, and will soon be expanding to reach other youth throughout the New York city area.
Our music programming will officially launch in September of this year! More information on those programs will soon follow.
Also, we’ve recently joined forces with Man Up and Right to Play for local and international events and conferences that will continue and promote dialogue and action about the intersection of art and sport for social change.
A contribution of $25, $15, or $10 can help us maintain this programming and get youth to and from the gym. You’ll be listed on our site as a contributor (unless you prefer to be anonymous). Our site will soon be updated for donations, but if you are interested – please contact us at: info@artactionawareness.org
check out this amazing article on nina ziefvert – an A3 board member! read the interview, in juxtapoz art & culture magazine to learn about the phenomenal work she does supporting youth in the arts…
thank you to everyone who came last friday! it was definitely a great start to many more events to come! for those of you who weren’t able to make it – we are co-hosting a screening of GEM’s “Very Young Girls” on June 18th. if you haven’t seen the documentary yet – please try to come and check it out. more information on that event soon.
CLICK FOR MORE PICTURES FROM THE OPENING
- ALECiA
women in hip-hop deserve a lot more love and respect than they get! come support and learn about The Womanhood Learning project, an exciting new initiative of the Hip-Hop Association (H2A) on June 25th for their Womanhood Passage Fundraiser – an exciting evening honoring women in Hip-Hop and funding the completion of H2A’s book “Fresh, Bold and So Def: Women in Hip Hop Changing the Game,” and The Ladies First Fund (the first grant for women in Hip-Hop).
- ALECiA
check out this article about A3 teaching artists Moni and Mike’s Friends We Love.
- ALECiA
A3 is initiating “Give The Change,” a new grassroots fundraising campaign!
Now, when you shop at one of the participating stores, give that extra 15, 47 or 93 cents (or maybe even that $5) to truly make a difference in the lives of youth throughout New York and beyond!
A list of confirmed stores should be up in the next couple days… get shopping!
- ALECiA
ART ACTION AWARENESS (A3) recently partnered with GIRLS EDUCATIONAL AND MENTORING SERVICES (GEMS) to provide the young women of GEMS with a unique Boxing and Art Program. With boxing training, the girls will build confidence, strength, awareness and discipline, as dialogue and art then becomes the vehicle through which to further express these discoveries.
Please come celebrate and support this exciting new collaboration and learn more about both organizations this Friday at Rime – another new A3 supporter!
Rime, a Brooklyn store specializing in streetwear couture, is currently the site of the A3 Gallery, where artwork by the youth of A3 will be displayed and celebrated. Rime will also be the first site to receive donations for the efforts of A3 for our own “Give The Change Campaign.”
A3 Teaching Artist DJ Moni of Friends We Love will spin. Artwork from GEMS will be displayed.
A3/GEMS/RIME Partnership Launch
Friday, May 29 • 6pm—10pm
Rime • 157 Smith St. Brooklyn, NY
For more information: email info@artactionawareness.org • or call 212.252.2032
- ALECiA
thanks to everyone who came out to the The Brooklyn Fashion Week Wrap Party at Tamboril last weekend. there will be many more to events to come (including one at RIME this weekend – more info to come soon!)
ART ACTION AWARENESS (A3) is thrilled to announce our new partnership with The Brooklyn Style Foundation (BKSF)!
With our shared mission of supporting the artistic and athletic interests and talents of our youth, we aim to combine forces to provide space, events and unique programming for the communities of Brooklyn and beyond.
Come celebrate the launch of this exciting new partnership this Saturday at Tamboril Restaurant & Lounge for BKSF’S Brooklyn Fashion Weekend Wrap Party.
Dinner is served from 6pm to 11pm. Fred Ones (DJ, Producer and Teaching Artist for A3) will spin from 11pm-3am ($10 cover). Artwork from A3’s Co-Founder and Co-Director Vanessa Chakour will be displayed.
Event sponsored by: Tamboril, Drinks America, Cake Ville Usa, Wealthy Hostage, Krow Hill, Park Ave. Laser Vision
Brooklyn Fashion Weekend Wrap Party and
A3 / BKSF Partnership Celebration
Saturday, May 23 • 6pm-11pm (Dinner) • 11pm-3am (Dance Party)
Tamboril Restaurant, Art Gallery & Lounge • 527 Myrtle Avenue – Brooklyn, NY
- ALECiA
