Arts Greenhouse Workshop Announcement
On Friday, December 11, 2009 local teens are invited to participate in a free, two-hour workshop at the Young Men and Women’s African Heritage Association (YMWAHA) on the Northside of Pittsburgh. The event—presented by The Arts Greenhouse and co-hosted by YMWAHA and Warhol Museum Youth Programs—will feature local DJs sharing knowledge, and experience with hands-on practice session. The goal is to teach teens building community with music culture.
The event will kickoff at 5pm with an introduction from poet, educator and activist Luqman Abdus-salaam, explaining the power of DJing as the catalyst and hub of hip-hop culture. Different musical genres will be represented at the workshop, including Mary Mack (post-punk), DJ Thermos (hip hop), and James Gyre (electronic.) After demonstrations by each of the DJs, teens will be invited to “try their hands on the wheels!” Equipment available to try will include turntables, cd decks, mixers, and software.
All teens ages 13-19 are encouraged to join! No equipment or prior experience is necessary—just an excitement about learning how to DJ and sharing music with peers. Come ready to spin some fiery grooves!
The partnering organizations believe that helping teens develop artistic, social and economic empowerment goes hand in hand with owning and creating culture. Historically, the art of DJing has been a vehicle by which individuals can develop stronger communities; bridge divides of gender, age, race, and class; and create safe spaces for recreation in their neighborhoods. By teaching teens to become owners and creators of their own culture—rather than just consumers—it helps them to develop a more active engagement with the world around them.
Teens that are the most motivated and inspired to DJ, will be encouraged to participate in the Warhol’s 2010 Youth Invasion, an annual Spring event when high school students take over the Warhol Museum for an entire week. Teen DJs will have a chance to put their passion to practice in an environment that fosters artistic expression with peers from across the City!
Staff from all three partnering organizations will be supervising the workshop, and parents are welcome to attend. The Young Men and Women’s African Heritage Assocation is located at 1205 Boyle St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (near Allegheny Center.)
For more information about Go, DJ! GO! and The Arts Greenhouse program, contact Amos Levy, Arts Greenhouse Program Coordinator.
