ARTS EVOLVED are special programs or initiatives at WEST that advance community building through social justice conversation. The selected material demands bold collaboration, truth-speak, and creative processing of original ideas and interpretations through story. Each programs' planning, implementation, and evaluation prioritize authentic representation of the people it serves.
“Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” ― Rumi
THEATRE Q
Theatre Q (formerly New Voices) is an artist-incubator program inviting LGBTQIA+ youth to grow and evolve both on and off the stage. Through one-to-one mentorships with professional artists, technical and production training, and facility support, Theatre Q supports the creation of work for, by, and about the LGBTQIA+ youth experience. The program is open to LGBTQIA+ youth ages 16 - 24 years. Project consideration is by simple application selected on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.
La Voz del Inmigrante
La Voz del Inmigrante (The Voice of the Immigrant) celebrates inter-generational stories, art, and theatre that illuminate California's migrant experience and rich cultural heritage. The play, arts and story circle work is a tapestry of history and personal experience, richly infused with magical realism and cultural relevance and tradition. When possible, this program is offered in a bilingual or multilingual format.
Sea of Strength (SoS)
Sea of Strength is a commitment to meet unique instruction needs through staff education on best practices for differentiated instruction and implementation of strategies. Through this commitment and priority to access, we provide accommodation support for neuro-divergent participants. We build compensatory skills, and collective compassion and understanding for our students with learning and processing disabilities.