“It’s like I’m becoming the person I always wanted to be, but never thought I could.”

 

 

 

Big Picture Alliance participants make movies…and much more.  Students learn to collaborate, express their ideas and persevere bring a vision to reality.   We asked Executive Director Aleks Martray our questions of the day about their work.

 

When do you know your work is making a difference?

When our youth film fest hosts lead an impromptu self-affirmation with an audience of 100 people and everyone participates in unison. 

 

 What is the coolest thing a participant in your program ever said to you?

“It’s like I’m becoming the person I always wanted to be, but never thought I could.”

“I never realized how many skills go into making a film, but now when I watch a movie I can’t unsee it!”

 

What is the most important thing you do to help your teaching artists do their best work?

To model experiencing the process from both sides, as teacher & learner. 

 

What is the best tip you can give to someone doing arts education programs like yours?

Listen to your youth!..Their instincts, insights, and feedback are often the most valuable tools in shaping programs and projects.  

 

Part of a continuing series featuring our 2019 Bartol grantees.

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