Arts Creating Unity Institute, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 performing arts organization committed to using Theatre Arts to cultivate cultural awareness, sensitivity, creativity and empowerment within diverse, youth communities. ACU is dedicated to building bridges between people and designed to challenge and motivate youth to reach their unrealized potential.
VISION STATEMENT
We want to promote harmonious and emotionally mature relations amongst youth and empower them to celebrate diversity and seek understanding. Through "one-on-one" coaching and "peer teaching" allows participants to gain a sense of trust where they are open to express themselves without judgment or scrutiny.
THE NEED
ACU was created in 2003 by Director, Writer, Actress and College Instructor
D'Shaun A. Booker, who has a passion for breaking racial tensions within urban communities. Racial barriers such as
language, culture, food and music are just a few of the issues that can lead to
racial tension.
ACU
provides a voice for communities unheard and
under-served. We believe in constantly identifying, acknowledging and
affirming the differences of cultures and ethnicities, while demonstrating the importance of recognizing one's personal power,
strength and creativity.
Our workshops foster positive youth development by providing structured
programs that are safe and supportive. Participants experience
self-empowerment, collaboration and a sense of belonging through an
interactive curriculum.
Theatre Arts has been proven to be a catalyst for change and provide a
positive creative outlet for young people to channel their emotions, thoughts and experiences that may have been silenced, negated or
internalized. ACU provides a platform for people to develop a
positive attitude towards the creative process, and use it to analyze, make
decisions and develop a cultural sensitivity.
Benefits Of Our Services
- Learn healthy ways to challenge racial injustices and promote social change!
- Strengthen self-awareness leadership, creativity and self-confidence through live performance
- Learn personal accountability and character building
- Enhance writing skills through the art of playwriting
- Move beyond the project into the community promoting unity through diversity
- Find their own voice while strengthening self-expression
- Experience fun!
Let's work together to create a world that's full of the many colors that make up our wonderful universe.
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