Emerging young artists are presented with the tools and exposure to careers in the arts through the Amiable Arts Foundation, “3.2.1 Action!” program. The program offers experience through master classes for acting, set make-up and design, writing, film and more through curated connections with film industry mentors, culminating in a presentation of their films and work at the Amiable Film Festival.
Amia Edwards is the CEO and Director at Amiable Arts Foundation and is passionate about turning interest into action among youth seeking creative outlets and careers. Amiable Arts Foundation operates as an afterschool program in six schools with about 150 student participants in Jackson, Mississippi.
What’s Amiable Arts Foundation’s mission and vision?
The ultimate goal of the Amiable Arts Foundation is to prepare students to enter into higher education or any career field within performing arts with the tools, resources, connections, and confidence they need to succeed.
What would you say Amiable Arts Foundation’s greatest success is?
Seeing the increased confidence in all of our students, stage crew, and actors alike. We watch them go from knowing very little about performing arts and productions to making critical decisions on their own. This way we know that even if they change their mind about their careers we know they are prepared for public speaking, effective communication skills, comprehensive reading and writing, carpentry–the list goes on!
What is your favorite part of the program?
The faces of the parents after a production, media interview, or casting bootcamps with Matthew Morgan. We groom our young artists for the “Grit, Glitz, and Glam” that comes with a career in the arts.
We have parents crying tears of pride and joy after every production or media interview. They are constantly telling us “I didn’t know my child had this in him/her. Thank You!” Several parents wrote us about how their young artists knew how to submit their auditions to professional settings like Jackson’s New Stage Theatre. They know the importance of a good headshot, memorized monologues, and great lighting on self-tapes.
If you would like to learn more about the Amiable Arts Foundation and how to incorporate their curriculum into your afterschool program, please contact Edwards by email at amia@amiaedwards.com.
Amiable Arts Foundation is currently fundraising for “The STAR Catcher” Campaign via GoFundMe to raise additional program funding. Please follow Amiable Arts Foundation on Facebook to stay up-to-date with their organization and initiatives.