Project A.R.T. (awareness.respect.truth) is a non-profit 501(c)3 membership based organization that works to decrease various forms of juvenile delinquency and victimization in Metro Detroit by focusing students, ages 6-17, attention on the "Hip Hop Arts:" through technology. Project A.R.T. uses Hip Hop to shift youth’s focus from violence, substance abuse, disrespect and self-destruction to economic empowerment, personal development, cultural appreciation and community activism.
Established in 1996, Project A.R.T has been instrumental in developing and showcasing many talented young people. Members of Project A.R.T. played a very active role in the first ever "Hip Hop Summit" in the country sponsored by the Detroit Branch NAACP since its inception in 1995. Noting the summit’s success, Project: A.R.T. developed an organization that addresses the needs of the "Hip Hop Generation." Project A.R.T. has conducted on-going workshops featuring motivational speakers, panel discussions, community forums and entertainment. Additionally, Project A.R.T. has published its own Hip Hop oriented newsletter entitled "HOLLA!" since 1995.
In the Spring of 2004, Project: A.R.T. developed a 6-25 week Hip Hop-based curriculum designed to teach social skills, professional development, conflict resolution, as well as drug and alcohol prevention to middle and high school age youth. These 2 hour workshops at schools, community centers, and juvenile detention facilities utilize the history, artistic expression, and business acumen of hip hop music to inspire and positively influence young people. The ZigiDeeBooM Hip Hop workshops are a "hip," culturally relevant recreational alternative to the violence, misogyny, materialism, intolerance and social irresponsibility that permeate the psyche of young Detroiters through today’s music and videos as well as a creative life skills teaching tool.
Project: A.R.T. is a non-profit, student organization designed to help decrease juvenile delinquency and victimization by focusing students' attention on the Hip Hop Arts through technology. Circa 1996
