Tariiq Omari Walton invited me to be a guest on his CTV talk show Views & Vibes a few weeks ago as they discussed the importance of arts education in the current educational environment that is constantly devaluing and de-funding arts. Other guests panelists, Ms. Patricia Cruze (the Education Director for Young Audiences), and Ms. DaKiya Lambert (the Artistic Director for Dance Dimensions) did outstanding jobs discussing this subject. Read after the break to see more about their great organizations dedicated to bringing art to young people!
The concept for Views & Vibes came as an outgrowth from author, Tariiq Omari Walton’s weekly interpersonal relationship discussion forum, “Touch Me Tuesdays”. As a television program, V&V remains an arts and culture talk show hosted by Mr. Walton and produced at CTV in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Guests include musicians, authors, community activists, business leaders, and experts in their chosen fields. The mission of V&V has grown to include this website and blog in the hopes of maintaining a forum for constructive conversation, entertainment, and cultural inspiration. http://viewsandvibes.com/
Young Audiences Arts for Learning, founded in 1952, is the nation’s leading source of arts-in-education services. Our mission and goal is to help make the arts an essential part of young people’s education. We advance the artistic and educational development of children and youth by bringing them together with professional artists of all disciplines to learn, create and participate in the arts. http://www.youngaudiences.org/
Dance Dimensions is a professional, yet caring environment dedicated to the growth and development of young dancers. We offer a variety of classes with professionally trained instructors for everyone who is interested in the art of dance. http://www.dimensions-inc.com/
Bomani Armah is The Watermelon Man 
Hey this Mia from Martha’s Table teen program