AF5 seeking role within police reform
We apologize if this may come across as opportunistic, but now is the time for Art Force 5 to be of greatest use. We are selectively inquiring about partnerships and necessary funding to use our creative power for community healing.
The Art Force 5 has experience partnering with police departments including the City of Rochester Police Department, NYPD in Harlem, and the Atlanta Police Department. We design and lead a variety of community-built art projects which meet our mission to promote equality, teach history, build community, inspire creativity, and sow empathy. Our projects engage the senses while cultivating safe dialogue and deliberate listening of issues including the history and continued impact of racism and violence in each community. We also train and equip existing outreach programs to enhance their creative efforts. The program is seeking sponsors and support for future internships and training to build new bridges between communities and police. Please contact artforce5@alfred.edu for details.
Also, please watch the 8 minute video showcasing our work with Atlanta Police Department and the NFL.
Deliverables
Daily (3 days per week) programming space (Governors Island, Harlem, or SUNY Global) for scheduled school / after-school / summer cap programming led by college student mentors.
Weekly community programming in public spaces, inviting police and youth/families to shared experience with emphasis on listening and discussion
Monthly larger history projects (i.e. Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights, Diversity trailblazers in NYPD/FDNY) with discussion
Filmed and educational video of the bigger monthly projects (Similar to NFL projects link ) to be shared on NYC social media
Twice annually family programming exclusively for families of NYPD with AF5 diversity empowerment focus.
o Specific interactive offerings include mobile history mosaics, action figure construction, super cape design, and numerous exhibits – all adaptable for COVID distancing.
Measurable Objectives
Promote Equality: Bringing participants together in the arena of art, where vulnerability and inexperience with art-making is a common challenge with less of a power differential.
Teach History: Share, listen, and explore the history of civil rights through positive accomplishments and progress.
Inspire Creativity: An outlet for each participant to express their individual character and interests - breaking down the perception of one identity for all officers or community stereotypes.
Sow Empathy: Opportunities for moderated discussions where listening and understanding is developed and valued.
Strengthen Community: A sense of belonging and shared ownership in the physical space. Pride and respect for those invested in community improvement.