film · inquiry · research · medium · education

Artist Statement: felipe vargas

As a community artivist educator I created FIRME to equip youth as organic artivist intellectuals and to provide them resources and opportunities to engage in personal and community development through critical pedagogy, grassroots organizing, and collective action. The process of using film and inquiry as a medium for creative artistic expression is a powerful tool for combating the psychological hurdle of identity formation often faced by youth in poverty. The lesson I expect young artists to draw from FIRME is that the making of a life, creating the world we want to leave to the next generations, is an ongoing disciplined creative artistic struggle as they expand the critical thinking skills gained from the process. FIRME emerged in response to the lack of programs designed for youth to better themselves and their community while embracing their individual cultural heritage through the medium of art. The main objective of the FIRME process is to develop the capacity of youth in seven key areas: (1) the nature and diverse forms of artivist literacy; (2) the application of computer software and multimedia technology in video/film production; (3) the collection, analysis, and creations of art to express their findings; (4) what it means to work in groups and facilitate their dynamics and production; (5) how to succeed in high school and access post-secondary education; (6) how to support and engage their families and community through cultural products; and (7) how to approach the social issues that affect and matter to youth in critical, constructive, and conscientious ways.  FIRME is unique. In addition to creating a supportive learning environment and teaching valuable new media skills, FIRME helps youth and their families heal from the trauma faced in their everyday experiences by cultivating their personal development and sense of responsibility for their community.