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Behind the Scenes of the A4L Cultural Enrichment Project

December 3, 2021 By Cindy Sherwood

Nathan Richardson as the real Frederick Douglass
Nathan Richardson portrays abolitionist Frederick Douglass in our Norfolk studio.
Sarah Osburn Brady and Sheila Arnold record their civil rights program.
Sarah Osburn Brady and Sheila Arnold record their civil rights program.

There’s been lots of activity in our Norfolk office lately—which doubles as a production studio—as artists record special programs for our new cultural enrichment project funded by a new SHARP grant.

It’s an exciting project for a couple of reasons—it will bring quality, humanities-based arts-in-education programming to disadvantaged students in Virginia at no cost to them or their schools. And the project will provide income to artists on our roster during a time when opportunities to practice their art forms remain limited.

Sarah Osburn Brady and Sheila Arnold record their program on civil rights.
Sarah Osburn Brady and Sheila Arnold record their program on civil rights.

Molly Stanley, A4L’s Learning and Community Engagement Manager, says the programs have significant educational value, with topics that include the civil rights movement, slavery, and the Holocaust.

“Students learn about these historical events through core classes such as social studies and language arts. Through the videos we’re producing, students can deepen their learning and make connections with these topics that are relevant to their lives.”

Participating schools can choose from these videotaped programs:

  • Frederick Douglass “On Slavery and Emancipation” by Nathan Richardson: A performance that brings the true tales of Frederick Douglass to life, from his time as a slave and his escape to freedom to his rise as a great writer, orator, and abolitionist.
  • Conscience, Stories, and Hope: Hans and Sophie Scholl’s White Rose by Sarah Osburn Brady: The story of German siblings who dared to become part of the World War II resistance, no matter what the consequences.
  • Coretta: A Legacy of Love by Valerie Davis: Hailed as the “First Lady of the Civil Rights Movement,” Coretta Scott King comes to life through music and stories revealing the triumphs and tribulations of an American legend.
  • Arabiqa by Karim Nagi: An exploration of Arab culture through language, folk music, dance, and costume that bridges the east-west cultural gap.
  • Civil Rights: Finding Your Voice by Sheila Arnold and Sarah Osburn Brady: An interactive exploration of voices from the Civil Rights movement whose lessons in speaking up show us the way to effect social change today.

The programs are designed for either elementary or middle school students and include age-appropriate teacher guides for easy and effective classroom implementation. The videos are set to debut in February. Photography and editing is provided by Rob Holmes.

Photographer Rob Holmes videotapes Sarah Osburn Brady's program.
Photographer Rob Holmes shoots Sarah Osburn Brady’s program.

Thanks to our participating artists and to the funders of this grant–Virginia Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The funding is part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the NEH Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (SHARP) initiative.

Filed Under: Artist Spotlight, Grants, Program Spotlight, Virtual Learning, Virtual programming Tagged With: American Rescue Plan, Arabiqa, Arts Ed, arts education, civil rights, Coretta Scott King, Frederick Douglass, grant, humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, SHARP grant, Virginia Humanities, virtual learning, virtual programming

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Phone: 757-466-7555

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Main Office
Arts for Learning
420 North Center Drive
Suite 239
Norfolk, Virginia 23502

Phone: 757-466-7555

Main Office

Arts for Learning
420 North Center Drive
Suite 239
Norfolk, Virginia 23502
Phone:
757-466-7555

IDEAL 2025: Identity, Collaboration, & Community

“I feel like I grew a lot in my artistic skills and socialization skills, as a person in general. It’s really helped me express how I feel.” Sophia Sharp, Bayside Sixth Grade Campus, Virginia Beach “I learned that I can express my feelings through my artwork. That’s what I’m most proud of. Now I’m able […]

Join the A4L Mailing List!

Sign up to receive the latest news on arts integration from Arts for Learning! Thank you for supporting arts-in-education.

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By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Arts for Learning Virginia. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
At Arts for Learning Virginia, we’re proud to be part of the Virginia Commission for the Arts’ Passport Program. While Passport holders typically receive free admission and 50% off classes at participating organizations, all our programming is always free—no discount needed. To learn more about our public events, check out our calendar of events page here.

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