The Arts

The Arts Facet has come a long way since its establishment at the 14th National Assembly in 1964. Throughout the nation, Links chapters have partnered with their local museums, symphonies, arts councils, educational institutions and corporations in order to support art programs, especially where it focused on the presentation of artists of color, i.e. Awadagin Pratt and the Boys Choir of Harlem. The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College honored The Links, Incorporated and Walter Mosley for their respective outstanding arts legacy at the New -York Historical Society located in New York City.

Presently, there are three programs in The Arts as follows:

• The Arts on the Move: Link Sisters in Cinema,
• Project Walking Fete: Make Health a Habit!
• Signature Arts Program: Classics Through The Ages.

PROGRAM I

The Arts on the Move: Link Sisters in Cinema program creates dialogue, which sparks action for upward mobility among all people of color, and dispels existing myths about people of color. It introduces emerging and veteran filmmakers of all age groups to the communities that sister Links pledge to serve. Finally, it allows collaboration and partnership with museums, educational institutions, private and community organizations that are supportive of this initiative. The Links DVD Showcase debuts at the 2008 National Assembly in Seattle, Washington featuring chapter programming.

Some Chapter Highlights

Women of African Descent Film Festival. Brooklyn (NY) Chapter. Filmmakers of African descent are the documenters and storytellers of the past, present and future. High schools students already enrolled in film programs get an opportunity to screen the films. Films that are selected tell stories of empowerment, sisterhood, leadership, and positive relationships.

The Gift of Life. Metro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter. The chapter produced the video “Gift of Life”, and supported the Arts though hiring a young, black filmmaker – Andrea Williams – to create this documentary that gives viewers a look at the increasingly important issue of organ and tissue donation. One of the most compelling stories in the film is about a member of the chapter, Denise Perry, who is the recipient of two kidney transplants.

Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Filmmaker and Support of Future Filmmakers Through Traditional Theatre, Music, Dramatic and Electronic Media. Long Island (NY) Chapter. The chapter designed a three-prong community outreach program that spanned over a 18 month time period that featured “An Afternoon of Music and Fashion” with soprano Daryl Jordan and accompanist Noel Hart; “A Vintage Film Festival” with Robert Carter, visual artist and researcher; and “Celebrating Black Hollywood…Then and Now” as told by Dr. Donald Bogle, professor and author.

PROGRAM II

Project Walking Fete: Make Health a Habit! Poster Art Contest has encouraged teaching the importance of lifetime physical activity, particularly walking to children, youth and adults of color since 1995. Its objective is to reach populations of people of color with accurate and consistent health and wellness messages. The 2006 Poster Art Contest involved 144 Links chapters sharing the importance of exercise, eating healthy and watching their weight with over 6,000 students. The 2006 National Exhibition took place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA where 17 students received scholarships totaling $20,000. Christian Jordan, Pine Bluff (AR) Chapter won first place in Category I - Grades 1-3. Theodore Fuller, Metro-Manhattan (NY) Chapter won first place in Category II - Grades 4-6. Desirea Williams, Northern Indiana (IN) Chapter won first place in Category III - Grades 7-9. Dina Rodriguez, Ft. Lauderdale (FL) Chapter won first place in Category IV - Grades 10-12. The theme for the 2008 Poster Art Contest is Stepping Out! The targeted goal is 10,000 students.

PROGRAM III

The Signature Arts Program: Classics Through the Ages focuses on classical arts education in the performing arts, visual arts, film, literature, and theatre for youth of color through programming, hands-on learning, and mentoring. It speaks to the artistic development of promising young artists of color and utilizing their talents to promote art education.

Some Chapter Highlights

Sounds for the Soul: featuring the Ritz Chamber Players. Erie County (NY) Chapter. The chapter partnered with Buffalo State College in an unparalleled event with five days of music – concerts, music instruction, a fireside chat with area musicians, professors of music and music students as well as master classes.

Arts in Education. Houston (TX) Chapter. The chapter partnered with the NAACP local branch’s ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, Scientific Olympics) Program. More than 100 students from the Houston Independent School District and the WALIPP Charter School for Boys took part in a special week of dance classes with the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Links Keep The Music Playing. Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter. The chapter worked with the Pontchartrain Boys Choir, acquired donations of musical instruments to public school bands, and received support from artists of color who perform in the New Orleans area. The youths performed excerpts from classic operas and the chapter provide their attire.

A.C.E. Project: A Classical Education. Greenville (SC) Chapter. Young aspiring artists, once selected to participate in the program, are mentored, attend workshops, receive scholarships and media coverage. The program mentor tracks their success story as they journey to become a professional artist.