Arts Midwest is thrilled to announce our new partnership with Welcoming America. We’re excited to learn alongside the 200+ organizations in their Welcoming Network and we are grateful to have our We the Many program highlighted as part of their annual Welcoming Week.
Through We the Many, Arts Midwest worked with three arts organizations in rural areas of our region to create artist residencies which sought to expand the understanding of Midwestern identity.
For our partners at the Honeywell Foundation in Wabash County, Indiana, this experience prompted them to ask how to create a more welcoming community, specifically for new and long-time Latino residents.
Working alongside Chicago-based teaching artist, Ana Velazquez, students of color in Manchester Community Schools were given space to express themselves and share their creativity through theater classes and public performances. In total, Ana led 42 activities and helped the students put together a joyful and emotional final performance.
Nicole Screeton, English Language Director, Manchester Community Schools“Through this program our students have had the opportunity
to explore their culture, explore their language, and show classmates and family members how important their culture is.”
About Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, they work to change systems and culture by providing communities the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at the Welcoming America website.