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ARTIST RESIDENCIES

An Artist residency implements the same learning criteria as the single “Edutainment” workshop. An artist residency can be provided for a complete school year. If your organization prefers a shorter residency, it must consist of a minimum of ten 1 hour sessions in one classroom. Artists can conduct creative writing, performance, graff mural, cultural dance, and Female empowerment workshops that will engage students in a variety of creative arts and multi media activities including but not limited to stage technique, photography, theatrical games, dance/movement, instruments, visual art, storytelling, and more. Participants will learn the ins and outs of creating art for self empowerment and social up-liftment. Writing workshop Participants will have the option of hosting an all school open mic, or presenting a short production that explores their identity, non violence, justice, and solutions for peace. All other programs have a culminating event such as dance expose or mural unveiling. A public venue for the culminating event can be arranged if your school or organization desires to do so. The cost of a ten week intro residency is approximately $1,500.00 Add an ensemble performance to accompany a residency, you can receive a 50% cut for the cost of a 30 min show. You can apply for cost assistance through an Illinois Arts Council Artist Roster grant (the deadline is February 10th).

Who will conduct the workshops and artist residencies?

The Kuumba Lynx ensemble currently consists of 10 company artists, and 10 apprentice artists, including four full time professional adult artists and educators. The lead artists/educators are responsible for conducting workshops and school residencies. They have been working with youth for over ten years in various capacities, all have taught in Chicago area schools, and have full knowledge of the state standards learning goals.

How workshops and artist residencies are implemented?

Kuumba Lynx provides curriculum/lesson plans that follow state standards and teach to the state goals. The company’s writing and dramatic exercises, coupled with professional performance technique, visual arts, and music/dance backgrounds encourage the students to take creative risks, to voice their feelings, and share experiences in order to develop self esteem and confidence in leadership abilities. The company strongly encourages self expression in a safe and non judgmental environment that supports space for students to explore their personal stories and that of those around them. In forms ranging from creative writing to movement technique, youth will experience the value of self expression while exploring their ideas.

Kuumba Lynx offers the following Arts Residency Programs:

Hip Hop Theatre Production: "A Day In The Life of Baby Boo" This Hip-Hop theatrical arts residency will explore community stories, preserve Hip-Hop Arts, and celebrate the strength of cultural diversity through play production.

Our Beats and Rhymez: Using interdisciplinary performance techniques to provide student with a historical, cultural and spiritual understanding of their existence, and that of those around them, while preserving the movement of hip-hop is the goal of this story preservation and presentation project.

Peace Poets: Introduction to creative writing and spoken word with a final project This Spoken Word program provides the opportunity to explore poetry in the context of hip hop culture as the fourth element known to many as "mc-ing".

Graff/Murals collages and Alley Art: Walk to learn on a tour that begins at Truman College & ends at Clarendon Community Center. View a five garage mural that portrays historical events of the mid 80’s & depicts the strengths & struggles of Uptown, while embracing Graff & the importance of arts & education. Schools can opt to paint a mural, lockers, benches, students decide! Neighborhood orgs & business who provide outdoor wall space - we’ll bring the rest! This is collaboration with University of Hip Hop in an effort to preserve community history& hip-hop while bringing murals to communities.


Urban Dance Projex: Rooted in traditional dance forms, students explore styles & history of house, poppin/lockin, hip-hop-funk/jazz, b-girl'n/boy'n. Intro to tap, African,& Latin. Emphasis on history and dance utilization for raising social awareness


Sista 2 Sista: HYATI: Explore the power of unity in sisterhood. Programming for girls and young women that is designed to empower young women through interdisciplinary art workshops, mentoring, and various planned activities. Final projects are encouraged