Cross Cultural Arts Program: Collage

Project by Gabriela Valencia in collaboration with NICERFL Organization and The Barbara S Ponce Library

Bringing Cultures Together Through the Arts. Free art and music sessions for immigrant children

This unique session integrates visual art with music and movement, creating a dynamic environment for children to explore and develop their artistic and musical talents. Activities include creating visual art inspired by music and incorporating musical elements into art projects, fostering creative expression and a sense of community among participants.

Mission statement

This project is dedicated to socially committed artistic practices that aims to reinforce the role of art and culture in the humanistic development of the community, thus contributing to the democratization of culture.

Collage Session Description: Combined Art, Music & Movement and Sharing Time

Designed for young children to explore their creativity through various art mediums, COLLAGE sessions incorporate Elliot W. Eisner’s pedagogy, emphasizing the educational potential of art. Hosted at The Barbara S. Ponce Public Library of Pinellas Park, children are welcomed into a space filled with diverse art materials and musical instruments.

The session begins with circle time to build community and promote collaborative learning. Participants then engage in open-ended or themed art projects, encouraging intrinsic motivation and aesthetic exploration. Music, featuring activities like group drumming and singing songs from different cultures, enhances sensory experiences and cultural awareness.

Using the Dalcroze approach, children experience music through movement, forging a deep connection between body and sound. Reflective dialogue follows, where children discuss their artworks, fostering critical thinking, self-expression, and empathy. The session concludes with a collaborative project or group discussion, reinforcing communal harmony and mutual respect.

Children depart with enhanced artistic skills, a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives nurtured through this enriching arts and music experience.

How the ‘Collage’ Program Transforms Young Lives at NicerFL Welcome Centers

Dr. Maya Lane, Founder and President of NicerFl Organization.

The ‘Collage’ arts program at the NicerFL welcome centers in Pinellas Park, Florida is having a profound, multifaceted impact on young refugees and immigrants. For children who have experienced severe trauma and upheaval in fleeing their home countries, the Collage workshops provide an invaluable outlet for processing difficult emotions and reconnecting with their identities through creative expression. Beyond the therapeutic benefits, the program also provides crucial support for the children’s language development, encouraging them to expand their English vocabulary as they describe their artistic creations. Just as importantly, Collage helps these isolated children build strong support networks and a vital sense of community and belonging by connecting them with peers who share similar experiences as refugees and immigrants. Through the power of art, this initiative is fostering healing, learning, and a stronger foundation for a brighter future.