Twenty Reasons Why We Need the Arts
If you were at The Battery on October 19th, you must have been wondering--what’s all the excitement going on upstairs? The laughter, dancing and hammering was the sound of hundreds of Battery members experiencing the power of art and creativity within the walls of the club. Members spent the evening painting mini-murals, chatting with the creative geniuses behind our 20 finalists and watching breathtaking performances. It was the first Organization Night open to all club members and it was definitely a hit!
INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES
Are you in the mood for contemporary dance? Or are you more of an improv fan? Wandering the second floor of The Battery, there was something for everyone as we learned about the finalist’s spectacular plans to cement the Bay Area as a powerhouse for the arts.
ArtSpan’s mini-mural activity gave guests a taste of the organization’s programs. “We train artists to produce events in pop-up vacant spaces,” said program manager Allison Snopek.
Down the hall, guests left their mark (literally) by hammering out copper squares, the same kind of creative experience The Crucible offers at-risk youth. Next door, Battery members brainstormed the arts on a huge mind map set up by Community Arts Stabilization Trust (CAST) and learned about the organization’s plans to revitalize the Tenderloin and Central Market Area with permanent arts and culture exhibits.
Check out the profiles and videos for all of our finalists here.
HIGHLIGHTING THE POWER OF POTENTIAL
The performances this evening all spoke to how art can build resilience, catalyze potential and strengthen neighborhoods. “There’s no success if you don’t include others in your happiness,” said Alonzo King of Alonzo King LINES Ballet, speaking of his mission to educate and create an inclusive community.
From Dancers’ Group performing in wheelchairs seamlessly alongside performers on their feet, to a gorgeous six-foot painting by a developmentally-disabled artist working with Creative Growth, the performances were a testament to the power of the arts, inclusion and community in creating a better future for generations to come.
That future was on full display with young performers from Youth Speaks and Take Me to the River: Education Initiative. Youth Speaks’ performer began with a stunning solo, then went on to describe the organization’s efforts to unite young people through the arts to express themselves and follow their dreams. “Let the next generation speak for itself,” she urged. By the time the young musicians from Take Me To The River took over the stage with a booming brass band rendition of Amazing Grace, the whole crowd was stomping and clapping along.
WHAT’S NEXT
Right now 98% of private funding goes to arts organizations with budgets over $5 million, leaving out small, local organizations. We have the chance to change that dynamic! Now that we’ve been inspired by the potential of our spectacular finalists’ proposals, it’s time to activate generosity and make their voices heard. This theme, Battery Powered members have an opportunity to support a variety of creative projects that help communities thrive – all while we explore new mediums and learn about research that shows us how the creative process helps us grow.
Get ready to select the awardees at Allocation Night on November 17th!
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Battery Powered is The Battery’s giving program.
To learn more, visit thebatterysf.com/giving or contact [email protected]