Community~Word Project helps young people in struggling New York City communities through collaborative arts residencies in public schools and libraries. In all of our residencies, both in school and after school, young people learn how to think critically and creatively, how to work collaboratively, how to problem-solve, and how to communicate their ideas effectively through a sustained experience in both collaborative and individual art making.
In all CWP residencies students strengthen their voices and their English Language Skills by creating original poetry, taking their inspiration from their own life experience. Our arts residencies are integrated into the classroom curricula; for example, a class studying immigration would write poems about the places their families are from. Young people further develop their communication, leadership, and teamwork skills through visual arts and performance. Students work collaboratively designing and painting 4’x6’ canvas murals representing a line from their original poetry; or create exhibitions of original photographs of themselves and their communities. Performing for their school and community helps young people develop self-confidence and public speaking skills. Students learn to revise and rewrite their poetry to present on stage; CWP Teaching Artists help students develop movements and expressions to make their words more powerful.
Our after school residencies are thematic: at the Queens Library, children write poems that addressed science and math concepts and skills, and at the New York Public Library, LGBT teenagers addressed identity issues through poetry and collage.
All students receive tangible proof of their growth as writers through printed anthologies or zines; every student receives their own copy to share proudly with their families and peers.
Click here to see murals created by students in CWP residencies.
Click here to read poems created by students in CWP residencies.
Community~Word Project believes that we are stronger when we work together. We collaborate with City Center at our residency at PS 163 in Queens, and with Epic Theatre at the Bronx High School for Writing and Collaboration.
For more information about our collaborative art residencies in classrooms and libraries, please contact Keith Kaminski at 212~962~3820 ext. 2 or via e-mail.
