Program Spotlight: artsINSIDEOUT

Celebrating POWER in Johannesburg!

Co-founded by artists Dick Scalan and Evan Todd, artsINSIDEOUT has worked to connect a community in Johannesburg with arts education for over 10 years. This summer, Arts Ignite was excited to continue this international program in South Africa from June 30th through July 17th. Led by a team of 19 Arts Ignite Teaching Artists from the U.S., Zimbabwe, and South Africa, artsINSIDEOUT partnered with Nkosi’s Haven to offer multidisciplinary art classes to their young people and mothers. 

Nkosi’s Haven is a home that offers residential, holistic care, and support for mothers and their children whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. This network of support is also extended to youth living with HIV/AIDS, and those who have been neglected because of the disease. Arts Ignite is honored to partner with Nkosi’s Haven to continue programs that connect young people with artistic frameworks to expand their sense of self and agency in the world. 

This year, the program’s theme was “POWER!” Participants focused on this topic by exploring the ways they view the world, and as a result, the ways they view themselves. This aspect took form as some participated in photography classes and learned how to work behind the camera. From workshops in acting, storytelling, music, dance, and visual arts to stage management, artsINSIDEOUT students were able to collaborate towards a future where they are grounded in the knowledge of their capabilities, stand in their power, and work to uplift their voices and the voices of their community. 

All of this hard work and rehearsal culminated in a final presentation at the Market Theatre Lab with over 80 students and mothers in front of a packed public audience. The night included a dazzling step and dance performance you can watch here!