With support from the California Arts Council, 5 Elements will compensate staff and emerging youth artist leaders of color to: 1) co-create cultural, solidarity programming for peers, partners, and the public; 2) engage as creatives in local movements for racial equity, education, and the health and wellbeing of their communities.
5E implements evidence-based practices and multicultural frameworks, using the arts as a vehicle to overcome adversity. We utilize culturally-relevant art forms rooted in hip hop culture including: Visual & Graffiti Arts; DJing & Music Production; Lyricism & Spoken Word; Dance, Breaking, & Performing Arts.
Our programs and services include:
Enrichment Art Projects: Tailored weekly programs that teach artistic skills that supplement academic curriculum. Utilizing experiential learning methods our collaborative projects range from 8-32 weeks. 5E incorporates outdoor learning and field trips such as bringing youth to cultural ceremonies, performances, museums, parks and recreational spaces, on hikes and camping. Programs are facilitated during the school day, in after-school hours, or seasonally. For example, many 5 Elements projects culminate in painting a mural at school or at a community site.
Cultural & Community-Based Workshops and Events: 5 Elements curates arts events and conferences that support emerging youth leaders. These events create cultural platforms for youth to reimagine justice through visual and performing arts rooted hip-hop.
Education 4 Liberation Network & 5E Youth Network: 5 Elements facilitates training tools and spaces for youth, educators, administrators, and community members, to advance their shared vision for critical and humanizing models of youth development and community wellness. We train intergenerational groups of youth and their adult allies to lead visual art projects that reclaim public spaces for causes that transform marginalized neighborhoods into equitable communities.
Social Justice Consulting: 5 Elements provides technical assistance and designs support systems for our community based partners utilizing unconventional methods, with innovative interdisciplinary perspectives on youth development.

