Help Bring Back Spark House's Culminating Event!

Friends & Family, I’m calling on your support!

 

In 2017, I launched my very own arts education organization: Spark House. I am proud to  say that to-date, we have facilitated poetry and performance programs with black and brown high school youth across New York City's 5 boroughs. Spark House has brought in award-winning artists to be in conversation with our scholars, and fostered opportunities for hundreds of teens and families to share their stories, through the arts, in safe and supportive environments. Spark House has changed lives.

 

The impact we’ve made, in a very short amount of time, is truly beyond me. And this year, Spark House – my baby – turns 5!

 

I am thrilled to celebrate this tremendous milestone. However, like many organizations, Spark House has experienced obstacles due to educational budget cuts during the pandemic.

As a result, Spark House has had to reduced some of the services we’ve been able to offer our amazing scholars.

The most notable change has been the incredibly difficult decision to cancel our annual Culminating Event - an evening celebrating scholars’ voices and original work produced throughout the school year. This event has been a staple for our scholars and their families.

I've heard the feedback from my community. Our scholars want Spark House to bring back its annual Culminating Event! With that said, we're asking for your support to make this happen. 

 

I’m calling on 100 people to contribute $25 in 25 days to bring back Spark House's Culminating Event for the 2022-2023 school year!

 

If you’ve ever witnessed a Spark House event, or believe in the transformative power of the arts, please consider contributing to help celebrate youth voices.

 

with gratitude,

 

Najee Omar

Founder, Executive Director

Spark House

 

 

ABOUT SPARK HOUSE

 

 

 

 

Spark House is an arts education organization dedicated to developing youth voice and promoting social/emotional well-being. We provide poetry and performance programs for youth in New York City public schools and non-traditional learning settings. Our multidisciplinary workshops teach the techniques of written/performance poetry; support youth in publishing original writing and art; and create opportunities for their work to be shared before an audience of their peers and invited guests – all in efforts to celebrate and empower youth voices. Learn more at mysparkhouse.org.

 

 

HOW YOUR FUNDS WILL BE USED

 

Culminating Events are completely student-led under the direction of an Artist-in-Residence. They include performances by special guest artists, live DJ entertainment, and a catered reception for family and friends. I’m asking you to support this special evening by helping me raise $2500 (only 50% of total event costs).

 

Each dollar spent will go toward artist fees and equipment rentals.