April

Film Campfire Sessions

Join us for monthly campfire sessions for YoungArts filmmakers. Hosted by the YoungArts Film panel led by Kimberley Browning, these sessions will be informal gatherings for film alumni to connect with their peers and discuss their current projects and needs. During the first session, we'll also welcome the 2021 YoungArts Filmmakers to the alumni community!

Open to all YoungArts Film alumni. Register via YoungArts Post. A zoom link we'll be sent out on the day of the session.

Anti-Racism: Leading with more awareness, education, and advocacy

If we had to summarize the past 12 months in two words, they would be unpredictable and turbulent. We hear left, right, and center how many of us are experiencing steeper highs and lows than usual and it’s more important than ever to recognize higher levels of trauma for BIPOC individuals and communities.

Addressing racism in your workplace and providing safe spaces for Black people, in particular, is especially important, but we don't always know where to begin. Join MyWellbeing and Ayana Ali, LCSW to learn more about what you and your teammates can do together to undo racism at work.

This experience will begin with a guided meditation, will dive into sharing information, tools, and perspective, and throughout, will be guiding you through an interactive experience through which you can anonymously share your experiences, perspective, and questions.

Grounding Group (BIPOC) - April*

On the third Saturday of each month, we will be offering a grounding group specifically for BIPOC artists, in partnership with MyWellbeing. Research confirms that BIPOC individuals and communities face higher rates of trauma and resulting mental health obstacles. Research also shows that artists are more vulnerable to mental health obstacles due to their empathetic and creative intuition. We recognize that the needs of every individual are unique to that person. Identity aspects like race play a tremendous role in our lived experiences and health. MyWellbeing has found over months and years of practice that affiliate spaces where people and communities can freely share and unpack shared experiences is invaluable to our ability to heal, especially for BIPOC individuals and communities.

Join your BIPOC peers in a safe processing space, provided by MyWellbeing, to unpack anything and everything that is top of mind for you. These spaces are completely confidential. You will be meeting with fellow artists and a wellness expert as your guide. There is no agenda, only a safe space to share, learn, and grow, together.

Ric Mathews, leading expert in the field, yoga instructor and meditation guide in NYC, will support you each month by holding safe space and providing a sounding board of calming, grounding perspective.

Please note: these groups are not formal therapy. If you are experiencing a crisis or life-or-death situation, please consult MyWellbeing’s crisis resources, call 911, or visit your local emergency room. If you are based in NY and would like to match with a therapist for 1:1 work, match with the best therapist or coach fit for you here.

*Exclusive to alumni

Up Next Focus: Writing

This Up Next Focus: Writing session will offer insight into building practices to maintain a sustainable writing career and will be moderated by Dr. Joan Morgan with panelists Adam Mansbach and Daniel Jose Older. Participants are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session and participate in the conversation with the panel. 

Registration close: Thursday, April 18 at 11:59 PM EST.
Eligibility and Requirements: Applicants must be a YoungArts alumnus/a/i.

Up Next Focus is generously supported by Bruce and Ellie Taub.

Up Next Focus Jazz & Voice

Join alumni moderator Jake Goldbas and three vocalist/instrumentalists at the top of the field: Becca Stevens, José James and Jamison Ross to discuss navigating the industry, finding mentorship and staying true to who you are as an artist.

Registration close: Friday, April 16 at 11:59 PM ET.
Eligibility and Requirements: Applicants must be a YoungArts alumnus/a/i. 

Up Next Focus is generously supported by Bruce and Ellie Taub.