The Arts

The Links support of the arts can be traced to our cultured co-founder Margaret Roselle Hawkins. In 1964, The Arts facet was established at the 14th National Assembly. The goal of The Arts Facet is to produce and support programs to enrich the quality of life of our youth and communities through educational and engaging art experiences while Transforming Communities, Fulfilling Our Purpose. Our programming includes arts integration within our chapters and partnerships with like-minded organizations, sowing the seed of creativity deeper in our community.

 

The San Fernando Valley (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has partnered with symphonies, art galleries, and local artists to support art programs, especially where there is a focus on artists of color. This allows us to create and promote opportunities for educating minority youth in the arts and presenting and supporting performances by youth and accomplished professional artists in a diversity of disciplines.

​

The following are the programmatic interests of The San Fernando Valley (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Arts’ facet:

 

• Signature Arts Program: Classics Through the Ages

• National Poster Art Competition

• Documentary Series on human sex trafficking, mental health, The Endangered List by D.L. Hughley and The Fearless Women of Colored My Mind (Autism Activists)

• Art exhibits featuring artists such as Charles Bibbs, Artis Lane and Phoebe Beasley

​

Since 2014, The San Fernando Valley (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Classics Through the Ages program has partnered with Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles and sponsored students in the classical arts by awarding thousands of dollars for advanced training classes and workshops, donating supplies, and updating equipment. These scholarships expand the student artists’ learning experiences and carries over from year to year until they graduate from high school. This exciting initiative increases the interest, knowledge and participation of youth of African descent in the classical arts.  In addition, it seeks to afford exemplary student artists opportunities to hone their talents, skills and earn recognition and support for their educational and career pursuits.

 

Classics Through the Ages is an innovative dual mentoring program where chapters, in conjunction with artistic partners, mentor promising student artists. A key to program success is the development of artistic and community partnerships, which optimize impact for promising students in a selected arts discipline (e.g., visual arts, performing arts or humanities). Artistic partners provide students with formal training and performance or exhibition opportunities. In return the student artists perform for selected peers less familiar with the chosen arts discipline. Community youth see the passion student artists have, sparking the potential of art in their lives.

 

Through our documentary series at the Laemmle Theater in Encino, CA, we have engaged the community in candid dialogue about human sex trafficking and mental health that disproportionately impact African Americans.