At Catalyst Arts, we believe that the only true and genuine form of communication is through creative expression.  Artists express themselves through words, music, images or movement; and we, the audience, receive that message on a level so deep that it can be exhilarating, liberating, and, at times,  unsettling. Art touches us in a way that no other form of communication can. It forces us to feel, which causes us to experience that moment of our life in a new way, which ultimately transforms the way we think about ourselves, and changes the way we interact with others. The arts are a powerful catalyst for change.

Few of us have traveled the globe, and yet we feel we know the plight of our brothers and sisters in far away places because of what we’ve been told.  I suggest we learn about other cultures through their art.  It is the best, the oldest, and the most profound form of human communications on the planet.

 This is the kind of energy we need to harness within the arts.  Every performance and exhibition is a victory of creative expression forged by hard work and sacrifice.  Artists have their personal stories to tell and through their work the stories bursts forth, describing a journey, an idea and a view.  The arts are more than just entertainment; the arts are windows into the human spirit and the collective human expression.  Artists, like athletes, capture the hearts and minds of people and impact the world.

Go to the link above for information about the conference and how to submit a proposal to participate.  The website also gives you information on attending the conference – check it out!

The transformative power of the arts is inherent in the performing, visual, literary and media arts.  Connecting with audiences and getting the message out in a different way is the key and allows us all to view and experience the critical issues of our time from new vantage points.  The arts provide us with a greater understanding of our world and how issues and situations are perceived differently by different communities and cultures.

Help us spread the word about Catalyst Arts to anyone who believes that artists can make a difference. Together we can start a movement towards peace and harmony between all humans, our planet and ourselves.

Fred, Arawana and Laura have all been working internationally in this arena for decades. So by combining the talents of all three of these unique artists in one setting, we can only imagine what a transformative experience of personal growth they can bring about! We can’t wait to get this program packaged and out into the world.

Our first step is to apply to be part of the “Performing the World” global conference this fall in NYC. We’re not too familiar with it yet, but everything we’ve seen and heard about it sounds great and right in line with what Catalyst Arts is all about.

We’re looking ahead to 2012 when we will host our own global conference highlighting how the arts and creative expression can positively change the world.

Hey – we’re committed to this and we’ll not stop until “Artists Working in Social Change” are recognized and acknowledged as a category as distinct as performing artists, visual artists, literary artists, media artists, etc. It is doable!

So last night was our official launch of Catalyst Arts – the new initiative of The Center for Creative Resources. More than 50 friends, artists, and supporters turned out. A big thank you to Bob Chase and our friends at Intersections for allowing us to use their beautiful space on Fifth Avenue. Our dear friend, colleague and musical spirit Fred Johnson (www.frejon.org) opened the evening – as only Fred could! – with a musical welcome, setting just the right tone for the evening.  Noel and I introduced our just completed video (thanks to Eric and Jeff at Meerkat Media) which will soon live on the website, but which you can view now on YouTube or on our new Facebook fan site. We featured a sampling of artists working in the social change arena who are a huge inspiration to us. First up, TE’A (www.teaproject.org) did a scene from “Under the Veil” in which Chuk Obasi and Crystal Quallo gave a moving portrait of being Muslim in America post 9/11.   We then shared an amazing video by SAFE (www.sponsoredarts.org), the UK-based organization founded by British actor Nick Reding. SAFE Africa uses theatre to educate Kenyans about HIV/Aids.  Visual artist Ellen Frank (www.efif.org) spoke about her “Cities of Peace” project and her vision of establishing peace centers around the world. Noel introduced William Harvey and showed a clip of his Cultures in Harmony (www.culturesinharmony.org) work in Papua New Guinea. Our presentation closed with the incredible story teller, Laura Simms (www.laurasimms.com), sharing an emotional and uplifting tale about a former child soldier from Sierra Leone. Afterwards, over snacks and wine, we met lots of new friends who share our interest in social change and are filled with renewed energy for the work ahead – helping to create a better world through creative expression.

• Conversations Melodies – Hosted by Artistic Director Fred Johnson, these on-going themed programs celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our global community on the first Saturday of each month.
• Iraqi Voices Amplification Project – In Fall 2009, Intersections sent a delegation comprised of artists to Syria, Jordan and Lebanon to meet and interview Iraqis displaced by the war. A multimedia production capturing their experiences is currently in development.
• “One World” – Intersections will present a Concert for Peace and Reconciliation featuring Eugene Friesen, cello; Steve Gorn, flutes; Glen Velez, percussion, Fred Johnson, vocals; and Ellen Frank, visuals, on Saturday, April 24 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture.