ST. LOUIS, MO – Gitana Productions is launching a pilot “Global Education through the Arts” youth program in Ferguson, MO, thanks in part to a $20,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund. The program is designed to teach youth cultural leadership through the arts and cross-cultural engagement.
“Recent events in Ferguson amplify the need for cross-cultural engagement, where it is possible for diverse youth to step into each others shoes in a nonthreatening and authentic way,” said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions. “The strategies used by “Global Education through the Arts” produce youth with greater acceptance of others and promotes service to community through the arts.”
Gitana’s initiative in Ferguson is modeled after their successful “Global Education through the Arts” program, which has provided training in drama, dance and global education in north and south St. Louis City for the past eight years.
Students will participate in the tour LIVING THE DREAM, a 45-minute music, dance and drama performance with a message of peace, nonviolence and acceptance of cultural differences. Students receive 16 weeks of training followed by rehearsals. The touring performance has reached more than 6,500 people in the St. Louis region at community centers, churches, detention centers, schools and other venues.
“Our LIVING THE DREAM nonviolence tour will demonstrate that Ferguson not only has talented kids but also responsible youth who want to promote greater understanding and peace in the region,” said Nadal.
The Ferguson “Global Education through the Arts” program begins October 10 with an orientation for interested parents and youth at the Ferguson Library, 35 N. Florissant in Ferguson. For details, call (314) 721-6556.
The Regional Arts Commission, Missouri Arts Council and Arts and Education Council have provided funding to support Gitana Productions events and arts education programs.
ABOUT GITANA PRODUCTIONS
Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization whose mission is to increase cross-cultural awareness and collaboration in St. Louis through international music, dance and drama. Gitana, established in 1996, produces concerts, professional theatre performances and youth programs, using cross-cultural engagement and the arts to bring diverse groups together. Gitana’s work with immigrant and African American youth in St. Louis City was featured on the PBS series “Homeland: Immigration in America.” Gitana Founder and Executive Director Cecilia Nadal received the 2015 St. Louis Visionary Award for Community Impact and the national Encore.org recognition as a fellow. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556.
ABOUT THE MONSANTO FUND
The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.
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