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African Drum & Dance Parent Association acknowledges Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, Greater Flint Arts Council and the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in giving our Executive Director, Kevin Collins, the opportunity to attend and participate in the 2019 VSA Intersections: Arts and Special Education Conference held October 25 - 28, 2019 in Irvine, California. The Conference was produced by the Office of VSA and Accessibility, a part of the Education Division of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It provided professionals in the intersecting fields of arts education and special education the opportunity to share current information in research, practice, programs and policy In addition, the conference enabled educators, administrators, researchers, teaching artists together to build new skills, transfer knowledge, network and assist in improving educational experiences for students with disabilities to learn through the arts.

VSA is an international organization on arts, education and disability which was founded in 1974 by former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy Smith. It is headquartered in Washington, DC. In 2001, VSA became the Department of VSA and Accessibility at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The purpose of VSA - which started out as Very Special Arts - is "to provide people of all ages living with disabilities the opportunity to learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts." A primary focus is on arts education opportunities for young people with disabilities and to "promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the arts, education and culture around the world." Each year, people of all ages and abilities participate in VSA programs, which cover all artistic genres - music, dance, visual arts, theater and literary arts.

The Community Partners grant program is a competitive grant program that exists to strengthen communities by encouraging them to work collaboratively with artists and culture bearers to explore local issues, where collaborative artmaking is integral to daily lives and is valued as a tool for community development. African Drum & Dance Parent Association will offer West African Cultural Programs to at-risk Flint youth who reside in public housing complexes and/or near community centers. These locations were selected because this population have limited access to the performing arts.

The Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF) “serves the common good in Genesee County – building a strong community by engaging people in philanthropy and developing the community’s permanent endowment – now and for generations to come”.

ADDPA’s Kai-fecc Community-Based Arts and Cultural Program will offer the following quality programs to the Greater Flint Community: Cosaan – West African Drum & Dance Resource Youth Moves Is On The Move – Summer Camp for youth in Public Housing Kuungana – 3 day Conference, Concert for the general public featuring International Artists. Baada Shule After School Program – African Drum & Dance Classes offered after school at Public Housing Complexes, Traditional and Charter Schools. Manufacturing Facility – Participants build and repair African drums, design jewelry and accessories. This program is sponsored by the Greater Flint Arts Council Share Art Genesee Grant Program made possible by the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage funds. Your tax dollars are at work.

Greater Flint Arts Council (GFAC) is a Regional Re-grantor of the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Mini-Grant Program. Through the program, GFAC distributes small arts and cultural project grants to artists and/or art organizations in Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawasee Counties.

The Mission of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) is to encourage, initiate, and facilitate an enriched artistic, culture, and creative environment in Michigan. The Mini-Grant Program is a partnership between the MCACA and 15 Regional Reporting Agencies throughout the State. These are special opportunities to address local arts and cultural needs as well as increasing public access to arts and culture. There are two components of the Mini-Grant Program:

ADDPA extends our sincere appreciation to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs for financial support of Youth Moves and Youth Moves Is On The Move Summer Camps. This will enable our organization to offer Summer Camps locations.

The Ruth Mott Foundation has been ADDPA greatest supporter throughout the years. Its mission is to “advocate, stimulate, and support community vitality. Our commitment is to base the Foundation in its home community of Flint, Michigan”.

ADDPA Support: General Operating Grant: North Flint After-School Programs, Cosaan, Kuungana Drum & Dance Conference, Youth Moves Summer Camp, and General Operating

ADDPA’s Kai-fecc Community-Based Arts and Cultural Program will offer the following quality programs to the Greater Flint Community: Cosaan – West African Drum & Dance Resource Youth Moves Is On The Move – Summer Camp for youth in Public Housing Kuungana – 3 day Conference, Matinee for Youth with disabilities, Concert for the general public featuring International Artists. Baada Shule After School Program – African Drum & Dance Classes offered after school at Public Housing Complexes, Traditional and Charter Schools Manufacturing Facility – Participants build and repair African drums, design jewelry and accessories. This grant will fund artists, supplies, equipment and operational fees