As parents, especially during the tumultuous year of 2020, our children closely observed us. They absorbed our reactions to challenges, and our words held significant weight. After the tragic murder of George Floyd went viral, my 14-year-old son sought my thoughts on the fate of the officers involved. Later, the news of Breonna Taylor’s death weighed heavily on my heart, sparking fears for my five-year-old twin daughters and their future in this world.
My concerns were evident, and they permeated our family discussions. At our dinner table, we confronted racism and the heartache experienced by families like Breonna’s. We emphasized the importance of self-protection for Black and brown individuals and marched together as a family, with our kids participating in protests that held meanings beyond their comprehension but were aware of their role in the movement.
Every one of us has a part to play, whether as parents or as citizens. This is the message that Sarah, the founder and CEO of EcoStyle Brands, and her daughter, Lily, the creator of a youth arts nonprofit named Art for Change, wish to convey. In a recent discussion, they highlighted the significance of their nonprofit in today’s world.
During our conversation, it became clear that even on the toughest days, we can strive to make the world a better place, much like Sarah did when she launched her eco-friendly fashion endeavor, EcoStyle, in the 1990s. Her dedication to sustainability inspired Lily, who said, “My upbringing was deeply rooted in eco-consciousness. While in college, I wondered why we weren’t introducing students to sustainable art practices. That sparked the creation of Art for Change, allowing me to blend activism with the arts.”
Art for Change is committed to educating young individuals using the framework of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals through original artistic expression. According to their website, “We believe that creativity and the Sustainable Development Goals are essential tools for mobilizing youth to confront global challenges, including climate change, social justice, and inequality.”
The mission of Art for Change is straightforward: harness our collective talents for social and environmental transformation, ultimately influencing our culture and the world. It’s vital to include our children in this journey, as we are setting the stage for their future.
In the upcoming weeks, Art for Change will unveil a new curriculum designed to equip youth with the knowledge and tools to navigate pressing social issues. These free virtual sessions, led by impactful artists focused on education and empowerment, will commence on January 14th. Like many organizations, Art for Change adapted to online formats, enabling young people globally to express themselves through art.
Lily shares a powerful quote from Bertolt Brecht: “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.” She emphasizes how art molds our narratives and cultures, serving as a healing medium. “Art allows children to process emotions they may not fully understand,” she notes.
Art for Change cultivates a community where kids can express themselves healthily and use their creativity to inspire change. This summer, pending COVID-19 regulations, they will collaborate with a youth performing arts camp in upstate New York, providing an opportunity for children aged 7-17 to find their voices and understand their significance in the world.
In a time of sensory overload, especially for our children, art can be a powerful healing tool. As Lily reminds us, the creative process opens doors for kids to explore their imaginations and manage the chaos of current events. Engaging in art equips them to navigate not just the challenges of today, but the future they are destined to shape.
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Summary:
Arts education plays a vital role in empowering the next generation, especially during challenging times. Nonprofits like Art for Change, founded by Lily, strive to educate youth on social issues through creativity, fostering a sense of community and purpose. As children engage with art, they learn to express themselves and address the complexities of the world around them.
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