TO BE FREE: Art for Social Justice

FREE WORKSHOPS BEGIN JULY 6

Mondays 12pm PT/3pm ET - Ages 12-14 

Mondays 2pm PT/5pm ET - Ages 15 - 18

What We Do:

Music and art are empowering tools for self-expression and activism. In this free series of workshops, renowned pianist and arts activist Lara Downes uses Freedom and Protest songs as inspiration for students to create their own artistic statements of leadership and activism. These workshops challenge and engage young people as they envision futures built on awareness, intention, and action.

• Reflect on the history of Freedom and Protest Songs as anthems for social justice, including such songs as Hold On, We Shall Overcome and I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free;

• Engage and collaborate with a diverse group of your peers across the country;

• Create your own works of protest and activism through multiple artistic disciplines;

• Be part of a national movement of youth voices calling for social justice, progress and change.

Class Details:

• Workshops will be held weekly, each Monday

• Open to all artistic mediums: music, writing, visual arts, dance, etc.

• Students will be given weekly writing / artistic prompts. Two students will be selected per week to present and/or perform via virtual Student Showcases every Thursday, open to the public via Facebook Live.

TO BE FREE is offered by Lara Downes as part of her My Promise Project, a national youth and community arts initiative, in collaboration with HeadCount, a non-partisan organization that uses the power of music to register voters and promote participation in democracy.

This project is supported by the MPower ARTIST Grant from the Sphinx Organization and Yamaha Artist Services.

Become a donor

Interested in supporting My Promise Project? Each student workshop requires energy and time, in addition to financial support! From student transportation costs, travel and lodging, space rental, and beyond, your help can make all the difference in bringing this Initiative to young people across America. Please support this initiative by donating below.

If you are interested in making a larger donation, becoming a sponsoring partner, requesting a workshop in your area / with a specific non-profit, or would like to inquire how your donation can become tax-deductible, please contact us here.

Thank you!

My Promise Project is proud to partner with

QuaranTunes, a community of musicians who share their skills and passions with aspiring musicians around the world.