Creative Youth Development empowers young people to use their creativity for positive community impact. Through comprehensive support, youth refine their skills, delve into their passions, and cultivate the confidence necessary for success.
The Lewis Prize for Music in partnership with Accelerator Awardees from across the country, presents “Accelerating Change: Creative Youth Development Across the United States”. These short films are a compelling representation of the outstanding work carried out by CYD organizations in equipping young people to become leaders in their communities.
In this 2023 video series, Beyond the Bars, Hyde Square Task Force, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, and Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective have created their own unique videos that showcase the experiences of young people in Boston, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Saint Louis.
These newly released videos are a continuation of the Accelerating Change collection, which was first launched in 2021. Watch and experience what Creative Youth Development looks like in action through the eyes of young people and the caring adults in their lives.
2023 VIDEO SERIES
Beyond the Bars
(Philadelphia, PA)
Beyond the Bars introduces viewers to their music programs, community and ecosystem of support as shared through the lens of students, alumni, teachers and community partners. The film provides a vibrant and heartwarming overview of the Beyond The Bars community and guiding principals.
Hyde Square Task Force
(Boston, MA)
Afro-Latin arts and culture is central to the mission and programming of Hyde Square Task Force. Through conversations with young people, staff, and teaching artists, explore why that focus on Afro-Latin arts matters. What does it mean for youth to have their identities and lived experiences front and center in our programming? This film reflects on the importance of this part of the Hyde Square Task Force model.
Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit
(Detroit, MI)
The film “Creating Change: How Mosaic Activates, Connect, Prepare and Amplify” invites us to see behind the curtain of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. Hear from talented young artists, passionate alumni, and dedicated staff as they share how Mosaic is creating equity through the arts for Detroit area youth.
Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective (Saint Louis, MO)
The film “Pick the City UP'“ describes the vision and story of the young artists at Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective to create a safe studio space that fulfills the needs and dreams identified by the group. Over a year, the young artists worked with designers and mentors to identify activities, colors, technology, and furnishings for the new, expanded facility. Alongside the film, a new song and music video was created as a call to action to make the city a safer and healthier place for all.
“Pick the City UP” - Song
(Chorus)
The peace is rising, stopping violence,
Yeah, we vibing, no longer silent.
We hush sirens, with what we are writing.
Come and vibe with Story Stitchers; come and sign in.
It's time to pick the city up, It's time to pick it up. (All we got is us).
It's time to pick the city up, It's time to pick it up. (Watch we build it up)
WATCH THE 2021 VIDEO SERIES
The Lewis Prize for Music in partnership with Accelerator Awardees, Community MusicWorks, The David’s Harp Foundation, and My Voice Music, launched the first Accelerating Change Video Series in 2021
Individually produced by each award-winning organization, these videos detail stories of youth experiences in leadership, racial equity and social justice, and collective action in their communities. In between producing and launching the Accelerating Change Series, Ian Mouser, Founder and Executive Director of My Voice Music, passed away. We dedicate this series to his work and memory.
Community MusicWorks
(Providence, RI)
As we look to the future, it is important to remember those who came before us.
On a recent warm spring afternoon, friends gathered at the site of Community MusicWorks’ future home to honor the past, present, and future of the land and celebrate the world premiere performance of a commissioned piece: Traces.
This film tells the story of Traces, a sonic collaboration between Community MusicWorks, composer Shaw Pong Liu, the Rhode Island Historical Society, and numerous individuals from the West End community and neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island with the aim of tracing, acknowledging, and celebrating the history of what is now called 1326 Westminster Street.
The David’s Harp Foundation
(San Diego, CA)
"Pillars" is a short film (seven vignettes) that documents the "Seven Pillars of Relationship" that comprise the core of The David's Harp Foundation's (TDHF) creative community. Each vignette details the philosophical concept, relevant lived experience, and practical application that TDHF has gleaned from 12 years as a Creative Youth Development organization.
In addition to its documentation of TDHF's Pedagogy of Relationship, "Pillars" stands as a model of providing youth equitable access to professional content creation and economic development opportunities. All of "Pillars" production elements were proudly produced in partnership with youth, from instrumental tracks to animation sketches.
The "Pillars" are:
Flashlight First, Common Unity, People are Priority, Walking through the Mud, Keepers of the Cocoon, Leave the Door Open, and No L's Just Lessons.
My Voice Music
(Portland, OR)
Through the lens of students, parents, teachers and MVM staff, My Voice Music explores the “secret sauce” in their programs that amplify young voices and ignite self-discovery through music.
The process of writing an original song, recording it in the studio with a band and then releasing it to the public mirrors what it takes to be an independent recording artist today. Through this method, students from all backgrounds grow as artists, and as confident community leaders.
Dedicated In Memory of Ian Mouser
Founder and Executive Director of My Voice Music