about us | programs | community | support

 

:: VISION::

VNM envisions a global community of voices organizing for positive social change through the arts using multimedia technology and the world wide web to connect and build community.

 

:: MISSION ::

Our mission is to empower low-income youth through arts-based programs that develop self-esteem, social awareness and digital literacy. Our goal is to develop an open-source community connexions portal to manage content, facilitate workshops and support online/onsite learning circles (VoiceIt).

We aim to build lasting community links to provide youth with various enrichment and training opportunities in the arts and digital media technologies. Working in direct partnership with colleges, schools, community-based organizations and cultural institutions, VNM offers programs in performance arts, visual arts and web multimedia. Our collaborative project-based approach allows students to learn in peer circles with the guidance and support of an artist or faculty mentor. Circle members meet and work face-to-face to plan and implement projects, and use VoiceIT to further network and collaborate.

 

:: WORK ::


Programs

VNM staff in partnership with peer and mentor leaders delivers three interdependent programs in middle schools, high schools, 2-4 year colleges, and their surrounding neighborhoods:

  • Community & School Partnerships develop arts-integrated curricula and after-school media arts programs that promote civic engagement in/out the classroom. Includes professional development opportunities for teachers and students on curriculum-web integration to enhance teaching and learning.
  • Urban Voices Partnerships network peer leaders 18 to 35 years of age with low-income youth to offer diverse training and collaborative programming opportunities in the performing and multimedia arts.
  • Arts & Media Partnerships support a broad range of collaborative projects, events, residencies and performances with several educational, cultural and community-based partners.

Model

  • reciprocal partnerships w/ educational instititutions, cultural institutions and CBOs
  • arts-based enrichment programs after school
  • a community web for shared multimedia communication|collaboration
  • individual and group projects for change

Impact

  • provide access to media technology through art-centered programs
  • strengthen community connections through reciprocal partnerships
  • increase individual and community capacity through community education