THE POINT prides itself on connecting young people to dynamic arts learning opportunities that support their academic, pre-professional and positive social development. This year offers some shining examples of THE POINT’s arts-in-education programming achievements:
Students from THE POINT recently had a once in a lifetime opportunity to act in the professional film The We and the I directed by internationally acclaimed film director Michel Gondry and produced by Partizan Films! The movie screened at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and premiered in New York City on March 6, 2013. It is currently screening at the IFC Center in Manhattan. Exemplifying THE POINT’s commitment to arts-based youth empowerment, the film is helping to activate new interest in the organization’s programs and the South Bronx community. It has been reviewed in the NY Times, LA Times and international news outlets.
THE POINT is currently developing literacy and arts programming centered on The Children of Children Keep Coming by Russell L. Goings. THE POINT has invested in three sets of the novel and is collaborating with Mr. Goings to bring this epic griot poem to life throughout its 2013 Youth Development Programs. Mr. Goings has already visited to share his incredible story with THE POINT’s staff and volunteers and students from the After-School Program visited his exhibition at the 92nd Street Y for a personal tour with the author and 92Y’s Education Director. THE POINT’s Visual Arts Program also curated a spring 2013 traveling exhibit at the James A. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx featuring student work with themes from The Children of Children Keep Coming.
In 2013, students from International Center of Photography (ICP) at THE POINT are exhibiting work in Montefiore’s Medical Center clinics in the New York City area. With support from Red Hook 160, LLC, THE POINT is also piloting a one-year Digital Photography & Media Program in Brooklyn.
With the support of Variety the Children’s Charity, THE POINT looks forward to continuing to help young people channel their innate creativity and energy towards the betterment of themselves and their communities.