Mountain Movers Project

A project of The Youth Resiliency Institute, The Mountain Movers project (MMP) functions as a hub and resource center providing information, training, programming and intentional conversations on the role of culturally responsive community based and locally led arts programming in elevating youth centered perspectives, tactics and strategies focused on the restitution of African cultural heritage. 

Through a series of community-based workshops inspired and led by teaching artists from Continental Africa and throughout the African diaspora, project participants ages 13-24 will use paintings, statues, photography, dance, digital shorts and other media to probe the cultural, political, economic and social implications of African Cultural Heritage Restitution.

An outcome of the workshops will be the curation of neighborhood-based exhibitions that celebrate the functionality of African arts and culture. Exhibitions will be co-curated in partnership with elder Black artists and cultural activists ages 60 and up. In the process, the project will co-create a generational pipeline that supports and nourishes young artists participating in MMP programming.

Equally important, project participants will explore the role of international law in the looting and auctioning of African art while interrogating current imbalances of power perpetuated by “mainstream museums” and cultural institutions through art-funding and engagement practices that do not responsibly, inclusively and equitably serve high poverty Black communities.

The Mountain Movers Project takes place in the three cities in which YRI currently
operates: Baltimore, Maryland; East Cleveland and Cleveland (both in Ohio). YRI implements the MMP in Ohio in partnership with the National Rites of Passage Institute.

THE YOUTH RESILIENCY INSTITUTE

The Youth Resiliency Institute (YRI)  is a cultural arts organization under the umbrella of Fusion Partnerships, Inc. YRI cultural arts experiences are customized to the circumstances unique to the cultural, economic, political and social conditions faced by children, youth and families residing in high-poverty communities.

YRI supports emerging and established artists, creating innovative educational programs for children, youth and families, so that they can become better at their own creative practice and experience a greater level of visibility and sustainability. YRI serves children, youth and families throughout Baltimore City with a priority focus in South Baltimore’s historic Cherry Hill community. YRI operates in Ohio in partnership with the National Rites of Passage Institute.

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The Mountain Movers project is supported by a grant from The Open Society Foundations.