To educate, empower and unite communities by using the arts

www.fokus.org

FOKUS is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that nurtures success in under-re-sourced communities by exposing their members to unexpected art experiences. This is to help them discover their own creativity and use it to better these communities. FOKUS’ mission is to educate, empower and unite communities by using the arts.

We believe the arts enable people to rise above societal barriers by creating new ways of thinking, communicating and interacting. In line with that belief, we work with all demographics in inclusive ways that connect cultures and expose them to art in unexpected ways. We also work across art disciplines to build awareness of traditional and non-traditional art forms. This ensures that we can opportunities horizontal connections between diverse communities and art disciplines.

FOKUS stands for Fighting Obstacles Knowing Ultimate Success. The organization was founded in 2005 by Alma Davila-Toro and Atiba T. Edwards. FOKUS currently has chapters in Ann Arbor, Michigan and New York City.

WHAT IS FOKUS? OUR PROCESS

FOKUS work falls into three primary areas: arts education programming, community-based programs, and an online magazine. The common themes are to connect individuals, stimulate creativity and provide opportunities to engage with the arts.

Success Made Through the Arts (SmARTs) is our arts education programming, which uses the exploration and creation of art to help nurture creativity and develop es-sential life skills such as discipline, critical thinking, leadership, self-confidence and goal-setting.

FOKUS introduces artists and communities to each other through engaging short-run community-based programs that we refer to as Moments. These programs give emerging artists support and a wider audience. Additionally, we build awareness of art disciplines to under-represented communities.

FOKUS publishes INSIGHT magazine, which provides insight into the artists who are shaping our culture today. Humankind often looks to art to define civilizations and cultures, and the quarterly magazine is based on this concept.

We believe that if you can learn how to create something from nothing, then you can succeed in all aspects of life.

SmARTs (Success Made Through the Arts) is FOKUS’ arts education pro-gramming that develops essential life skills through the exploration and creation of art.

FOKUS partners with schools and community organizations to design and teach curricula that builds awareness and develops fundamental skills of varying art disciplines such as visual arts, poetry, creative writing and dance. We design classes that introduce and teach art disciplines through hands-on workshops, studio sessions led by teaching artists and field trips to cultural institutions. Additionally, SmARTs exposes individuals to art dis-ciplines that may be outside of their normal life experiences.

We help cultivate skills such as critical thinking, leadership, self-confidence, creativity and goal-setting, all strengths that can aid in one’s success in school, career and life. We also build exposure to a variety of art disciplines through engaging and interactive workshops.

Our SmARTs partners include the Gay Men’s Health Crisis organization (GMHC), Citizen Schools and RBSCC Career Pathways/Homebase.

SMARTS MOMENTS

FOKUS introduces artists and communities to each other through engaging short-run programs called Moments. The goals are two fold: to create bridges between under-served communities and art; and to provide emerging artists with support to reach wider audiences.

Our programs include art exhibits, concerts, film screenings, panels and workshops. Additionally, we aim to increase participation in artistic fields by traditionally under-represented communities through exposure to a wider array of art disciplines.

Moments uses the arts to bridge cultures by allowing for the creation and sharing of personal stories through the arts.

We have produced Moments with Justin Bua, Jeff Chang, dream hampton, The Hot 8, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, John Legend, Janelle Monae, Kool DJ Red Alert, Issa Rae, Saul Williams, Va$htie Kola, Pop Master Fabel, Keys N Krates, Blue Scholars, Oscar Torres, Scratch DJ Academy, Brooklyn Bodega, The Malcolm X Grass Roots Movement, New York University’s Kanbar Institute of Film & Television and many others.

FOKUS builds awareness of artists through articles, features and the publishing of the artists’ work in INSIGHT magazine. INSIGHT is based on the concept that we often look to art to define past civilizations. In turn, we provide insight into artists who are shaping our culture through their work today.

We connect the worlds of artists and audiences- actors, musicians, designers, fine artists, emerging artists and those who do not immediately come to mind when thinking about the arts/artists, such as culinary artists and industrial designers.

FOKUS has provided insight into the works of Justin Bua, Frank’s Chop Shop, Mikey Cole, Mike de La Rocha, dreXel, Bobbito Garcia, Thorbjörn Ingason, Phin and Phebes Ice Cream, Rick Middler, Michael Sorgatz, John Tebeau, Andre Torres, and others.

INSIGHT MAGAZINE GET INVOLVED

FOKUS works with strategic partners and volunteers to help maximize the access and appreciation of the arts. There are many opportunities to get involved with FOKUS: volunteering as a teaching artist or event volunteer; establishing a collaboration or partnership; financial contributions and donation of goods, venue space or services.

To get involved, share ideas and/or to discuss the above opportunities, please contact Atiba T. Edwards, Creative Director of FOKUS at atiba@fokus.org.

Art is...what unites us!