Thank You To Everyone Who Came Out for DSC Fest 2023!
This three-day festival at the Andre Cailloux Center, led by the DSC Teen Company, examined the ways Black youth in New Orleans internalize the impact of violence, how artistic expression can lead us to new perspectives and futures, and how our community plays a part in experiences with violence. Through their new work, the DSC company centered the conversation around how we can heal individually and collectively, affirming the power of creativity in facilitating growth and optimism.
Events were presented on April 19, 20 and 22 and featured a Film Night and Artist Talk Back, plus a Saturday Performance Premiere and Family Block Party. The Block Party included performances from Dancing Grounds K-8 youth students, plus the new film from the DSC Teen Company, “Common Past Forgotten.”
Watch “Common Past Forgotten,” the new film from the DSC Teen Company
2023 DSC Teen Art Exhibition
Jade
“Inner Child,” 2023, acrylic on canvas, 16x20
Ken That Artist
”Men Are Human Too,” 20x26x2
Artist Statement: Men Are Human Too is a painting capturing the conversation to liberate Black men from toxic masculinity. I believe toxic masculinity plays a huge part in the emotions of men and boys in the black community. This can lead to acts of violence through pent up emotions like anger or sadness that can lead to harmful acts to themselves or others. Making space that allows black men and boys to feel their emotions without feeling weak can help prevent this future violence. After all, men are human too and deal with struggles they don’t know how to deal with.
Tae Dream
”The Story Of Reality,” poem
Artist Statement: I have so many things to say but are too young for people to take me seriously. My writing is a way to say everything I have to say even if not everyone agrees. At least I have said what is in my head.
Jade
“Target,” 2022, oil on canvas, 24x30
Artist Statement: This is meant to serve as social and political commentary on the systematic corruption within the American criminal justice system, which often wrongfully targets black men, and the impact this has on future generations.
Lauren Klebba
”Panicked,” 2023, acrylic sheet print on paper, 9x12
Artist Statement: I believe childhood should be a happy time for growth and development, not years that lead to trauma or fear.