Mission

THE RESIDENCY SEEKS TO BUILD A POWERFUL COMMUNITY OF YOUNG HIP-HOP ARTISTS EQUIPPED WITH THE ARTISTIC AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS, BUSINESS ACUMEN, AND MENTORSHIP NECESSARY TO BECOME PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS AND CULTURAL CHANGE MAKERS. THROUGH THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE RESIDENCY, YOUNG ARTISTS FROM LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IN THE SEATTLE AREA ACQUIRE TANGIBLE ARTISTIC AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS WHILE ALSO GAINING CONFIDENCE, TEAMWORK, AND A DEEPENED UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR OWN IDENTITY AND POWER.THE YEAR-ROUND PROGRAM INCLUDES A MONTH LONG INTENSIVE WORKSHOP WHERE UP TO 45 YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN EITHER A VOCAL OR PRODUCTION TRACK. DURING THE INTENSIVE, YOUTH WRITE ORIGINAL SONGS, RECORD IN A PROFESSIONAL STUDIO AND PERFORM IN FRONT OF HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE AT A PREMIERE SEATTLE VENUE. IN ADDITION TO MAKING, RECORDING AND PERFORMING THEIR MUSIC, THE YOUTH PARTICIPATE IN A NUMBER OF ENGAGING PANEL DISCUSSIONS WITH LEADERS IN THE NORTHWEST CREATIVE COMMUNITY.