In late June 2019, Zara Aina teaching artists will — once again — travel 1,100 miles from NYC to Wilcox County, Alabama to work with the amazing kids at BAMA Kids, Inc.

After 7 years of partnership, Zara Aina and BAMA Kids are innovating once again–this year, Zara Aina will present a series of multidisciplinary arts workshops, in collaboration with BAMA Kids. A team of 8 teaching artists will bring percussion, music production, dance, slam poetry, and theater workshops to the kids and young people, ages 7-18. As in past years, the work the BAMA Kids generate will be presented in a Community Jam at the end of the residency.

We are so excited to be expanding and diversifying the artistic disciplines available to BAMA Kids. In the past, students expressed interest in areas beyond theater, and this year, we are so proud to say, “We hear you!” This bespoke week of programming is also built around honoring themes of Identity and Liberation, and in celebration of Juneteenth, the American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States. We are thrilled to engage with new skills and artistic practices, taught by specialized professionals, and hope the BAMA Kids continue to develop these skills even after we leave.

About BAMA Kids
Since 1993, BAMA Kids, Inc. is to improve the well-being – emotionally, educationally and physically, of youth by combining structured life skills, educational and recreational activities, developing and promoting leadership and involvement of youth and their parents, and by providing life skills to prevent violence, substance abuse, and other harmful activities.