Culture Inc.
Our mission is to provide preteens and teens a safe and nurturing place to be after school. Culture Inc. is committed to do everything in it’s power to provide Des Moines youth with the tools and support needed to become positive, productive, adult leaders. Culture Inc. wants to close the gap and support school systems that are experiencing budget cuts for fine arts programming. Culture Inc. believes success will come through providing creative outlet, unleashing artistic potential, building confidence through accomplishments, and exposure to cultural diversity;though song, dance, and art.
Description:
Culture Inc. believes in building productive relationships between different cultures, and promotes positive and professional presentation of self for all participants.
Culture Inc. activities will include: music production, graphic design, art, dance, photography, filmmaking, poetry and drama. Culture Inc. will raise funds in order to be able to provide participants with facilities, supplies, computers, programs, and equipment that will keep them excited and motivated to create.
History:
Culture Incorporated was born on August 1st, 2008 when a lease was signed at 3619 6th Ave in Des Moines. The business was state licensed and incorporated on August 8th and its director, board members, and volunteers went to work preparing for the start of school on August 21st.
Some walls were painted, others taken out completely; carpeting and the underlying tiles were pulled and scraped up. New hardwood laminate flooring was laid in the dance studio area. A huge mirror was installed for dancers to practice in front of. Lockers and a commercial sink and art supplies were purchased.
By August 16th things were pretty much ready to go. Culture Inc. hosted a back to school party that was well attended. There were cake-walks, jewelry-making, painting, henna tattoos, collage, pizza, cake and ice cream all to celebrate. With the start of school on August 21st, Culture Incorporated's number of participants seemed to double every day. The staff and volunteers enjoyed learning the names, personalities, and artistic interests of the participants. Sadly on August 31st, the director of Culture Inc. received a phone call alerting her that there had been a fire at the center. Everything was destroyed.
It has been months since the fire and Culture Inc. has moved into its same location fully restored after the fire. We resumed programming on December 20th and so far have served over 90 young people here in Des Moines.
Since the fire Culture Inc. has been busy preparing the community for the wonderful things we know are going to come from our youth. Just like the Phoenix rising from the ashes so will the vision and mission of Culture Inc. Our precious future, our youth are counting on it.
Contact person: Rachel Rockwell, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Address:
Web Site: http://www.cultureincorporated.org
Directions:
 |
Head North on 6th Ave. Pass Euclid Avenue and we are on the right hand side next to Highland Park Bakery.
Nearest Bus Stop: Euclid and 6th, 1 minute walk |
| Last updated on October 7, 2009 |
