Youth Filmmakers Ask "What is Hunger?"

On June 26, 2012 the South King Council of Human Services (SKCHS) awarded the Kent Arts Commmission with the Human Services and Equity Award for an Organization.

The youth ask that donations be made to the Kent Food Bank at www.facebook.com/kentfoodbank 

"What is Hunger" was sponsored by the City of Kent Arts Commission and produced by Reel Grrls, an award-winning media and technology program. In early 2012, 8 high school students from Kent-Meridian and Kent Phoenix Academy attended a 3-day course in video production. During the 3-day workshop, Reel Grrls taught this co-ed group how to discuss a challenging topic, try basic stop-motion animation, use professional video production equipment and learn the process of planning and shooting a video. The finished film is being broadcast on publically operated stations such as Kent TV 21 and can also be viewed HERE. 

The Kent Arts Commission is proud to provide this opportunity for youth empowerment. The overarching goal of this youth filmmaking project is to increase community awareness about food security issues during these difficult economic times. In October of 2011, new statistics revealed that 1/4 of Kent's population is living in poverty. Yet the Kent Food Bank has lost its federal funding because overall King County is financially healthier than other US counties. This loss has translated to a 1/3 decrease in funding for the Kent Food Bank at a time when 1 in 5 Kent children are experiencing food scarcity. 

These social service statistics reveal a reality about place. Place-making is core to public art programs, and contemporary filmmaking provides for a real-time exploration of public policy. Working with youth filmakers allows these issues to be presented within the context of real-life experience. Listening to the youth share their commitment to change during the question and answer session was very inspiring.

The project is a collaboration between the Kent Arts Commission, Reel Grrls and the participating youth, in partnership with the City of Kent Housing & Human Services Division, Communities In Schools of Kent, Kent Phoenix Academy and Kent-Meridian High School.

Watch the Video

Arts & Social Change Symposium

On October 12 and 13, the Arts & Social Change Symposium will offers insight in how to engage and work with diverse communities and promote “cultural listening.” This is an opportunity for social justice leaders and community groups to meet with regional arts leaders. The Kent Arts Commission and Reel Grrls will be presenting "Hungry for Change: Youth Films Feed Public Awareness" on Saturday, October 13 at 9:30am at the Seattle Center. Learn more.

Photo Credits: © Mandy Hubbard, Reel Grrls, 2012

For the past three years, the Kent Arts Commission has supported an annual mural program that has been led by artist Louis Chinn. The program is facilitated by the City of Kent Teen Recreation Program and King County's Work Training Program. You can view a video about this program here, and the Kent Report posted a Flikr Set of the 2011 dedication here.

2012

2011

2009

Photo montages courtesy Kent Arts Commission (Photo credit for 2012 mural: © Selina Hunstiger) 

26th Annual Kent Kids' Arts Day

The Kent Arts Commission celebrates Youth Arts Month every March with two legacy programs, featured in this video. 

Date: Saturday, March 2, 2013, 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Avenue North, Kent
Tickets: $10 admission for kids, all projects included. Adults and children 2 years old and younger do not have to pay an entry fee, but you must have an admission ticket to participate in the hands-on art projects. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Lunch: Lunch, snacks and beverages will be available for purchase or you may bring your own.

Special performance by Bill Harley! 

Two-time Grammy winner, Bill Harley uses song and story to paint a vibrant picture of growing up, parenting and family life.  The Bill Harley performance will take place in the Crystal Mountain Hall at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for the performance or $15 for both the performance and entry into Kent Kid's Arts Day.

 2011 Kent Kids' Arts Day 

2013 Hands-on Projects and Activities 

Sponsors

Kent Kids' Arts Day is a project of the Kent Arts Commission and City of Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services. The festival is organized with the assistance of community educators and is partially funded by Fred Meyer, 4Culture, Kent Lions Club and Kent Community Foundation. Many thanks to all participating artists, Kent School District, Kent Commons staff and all of the event volunteers!

Spring into Art!

2013 Kent Student Art Walk, March 11-22

Self Portrait by Kayla Daly, 2006

		In celebration of National Youth Arts Month, the 2013 Kent Student Art Walk highlights the creativity of over 450 students from the Kent School District during March. Artwork is displayed in 22 downtown Kent businesses and the Centennial Center Gallery. Free and open to the public, this art walk takes place March 11 – 22.  Click here for a walking map and list of businesses and schools participating.   You can listen to students talk about their experience of participating in the 2011 art walk here.
		Opening Reception An opening reception will be held on Friday, March 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Centennial Center Gallery located at 400 West Gowe. Bring the entire family! Sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Kent A.M.
		Get Involved  The Kent Arts Commission is proud to present the annual Student Art Walk in cooperation with the Kent School District's teachers, students and parents, the Kent Downtown Partnership and Kent Station.     Would you like your school to be involved with this event in 2013? Please contact us at (253) 856-5050 or artscommission@kentwa.gov to learn more about the Kent Student Art Walk.