Philadelphia’s youth culture scene is getting a nice financial boost. Just over $357,000 is headed towards new programs designed to give city kids new, creative opportunities.
The city's cultural fund was established to support groups that use the arts to enhance the lives of city youth. This year, grants went out to a Fairmount Park cultural center, an African dance ensemble and a Chinatown arts group, among others.
"This fund is our passion, the way we all get together as a cultural community and really help young people,” said the president of The Philadelphia Culture Fund, Sara Garonzik. “It can show [young people] the power of arts and culture."
Funded by the city budget, the money is awarded each year to arts organizations that focus on at-risk youth in an attempt to reduce youth violence, truancy and dropout rates.
"It gives the children something to do, and it keeps them off the street, keeps them healthy," Dorothy Wilkie, artistic director for Kulu Mele African Dance and Drum Ensemble, told The Philadelphia Daily News. Kulu Mele was awarded $29,204.
Organizations such as the West Park Cultural Center, granted $31,450, use performing arts to encourage academic achievement in undeserved and impoverished communities. Tenth-grader, Marlon Lewis has been involved with West Park for two years.
“I actually thank West Park because they allowed me an opportunity that my school didn’t or they gave us stuff we don’t usually do,” Lewis said.
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To expand their “drop-in style” youth lounge workshops, the Asian Arts Initiative received $36,023.
“We like to think of it as a safe space for youth to come and to express and grow their creative selves,” said Gayle Isa, the Initiative’s executive director.
Get More: Philadelphia Daily News
