The Carver Gayton Youth Curator Program at the Northwest African American Museum introduces youth to the philosophy and practices of museum work through creative, community engaged projects on timeless and contemporary topics. Youth Curators gain social skills, learn and understand new concepts and, develop artistic expression. NAAM celebrates tradition, art, and history and in doing so, supports opportunities for youth to share their accomplishments, passions and concerns.
2012 Project Introduction Spoken Word is Art
The Fiber of You First Impression - Inner Expression
The 2012 Youth Curator project is themed to coincide with the Museum’s Northwest Gallery exhibition, Xenobia Bailey: The Aesthetics of Funk. Bailey’s fiber art explores the ways history, memory, style and social performance intersect. The Museum gallery will be transformed into a viewing and participatory space that is sure to incite conversation.
NAAM will invite ten students to participate in the 2012 Youth Curator project. The project extends an opportunity to explore the power and open forum that spoken word affords as a means of expression, style and discovery. Facilitators will guide a series of sessions that allow participants to describe the fiber of their character, culture and experiences through poetic voice and artful description. Portrait images with descriptive art will compliment the poetry in the Museum gallery as an interactive exhibit to address first impressions. The Youth Curators will share their poetry in a culminating performance that recognizes their achievement and celebrates National Poetry Month.
Sessions with Museum staff, Spoken Word and Fiber Artists
Work as a collaborative team member to support the project goals
Create a descriptive spoken word piece and complimentary artwork
Influence and input to gallery exhibit design
What are the requirements?
Must be 15 - 18 years old
Commit to twelve - 2 hour sessions on Saturdays (January - March 2012)
What are the benefits of the program?
Learn about museum functions and careers
Develop communication, written expression and performance skills
Work with local professional artists and community partners
School Service Hours credit
NAAM annual membership
$250 on completion of the project
Have fun, meet new people
How do I apply? Return the completed Student Application with one (1) teacher or counselor reference by the deadline date. Applicants will be contacted for a follow-up interview.
Application Deadline
December 2, 2012
*Printable version: www.naamnw.org
*Drop off: NAAM
2300 S. Massachusetts St. Seattle, WA 98144
or
*E-mail to: SJohnsonToliver@gmail.com
Information Contact
Stephanie Johnson-Toliver
NAAM Program Lead SJohnsonToliver@gmail.com
(206) 854-4680
or
Katie Williams, NAAM Museum Educator kwilliams@naamnw.org
(206) 518-6000 x104
Watch the 2011 Youth Curator PSA here!
The Heart Of the Matter: Youth Docent Curator Program 2011
