The Art Of Community

learn history, create art & explore science

Network of arts and cultural strategies to enhance community engagement and participation in social justice and mental health awareness programs. 

Intended impact:

• Community engagement is the process of public participation and involvement that promotes relationship building though learning, action, and the expression of needs and values
• Building a stronger knowledge base of Islamic art and art history through interactive events, learning modules, and workshops
• The need for artistic expression and creative outlets to bring academia back to its roots
• Embracing identity in diversity, creating a stronger sense of community
• Developing healthy coping mechanisms to improve mental health
• Establishing a social justice presence to stimulate conversation of current events in the community

Art style:

• Traditional art is a classic, elegant style of storytelling. Its beauty is both infinite and adorned across hundreds of cultures. Elements of traditional art can be found across a variety of art mediums such as oil painting, ceramic, photography, and more. Historically, traditional art would be incorporated in the design process of home decor, architecture, official documentation, and even formal events. The possibilities were truly endless. 
• However, passing tradition down generation by generation has proven to be more difficult because of the lack of representation for Muslim artists in modern society. Therefore, many of the youth today have lost touch with their roots. Let's bridge the gap of time and re-connect with our Islamic heritage, embracing identity in diversity as one nation. Art is meant to connect people together, and that is precisely what the program shall accomplish, bringing creative expression back into our lifestyle.

How does arts and cultural strategies enhance community engagement and participation?

• Creative tools can strengthen the understanding and exploration of community values
• Creative tools increase artist involvement
• Creative tools can better engage the public in community and urban design projects

Creative tools for community engagement include innovative visual-art techniques, storytelling, social-networking technology, exhibits, performance, festivals, and community gatherings. When artists begin to use these tools, it can indicate that they are receptive to feedback, open to understanding other viewpoints, and committed to making participation and the development of relationships as easy as possible. 

Let's use arts and culture tools to expand our collection of engagement strategies as part of working with local artists to achieve economic, social, environmental, and community goals. 

News: TheArtOfKhanan will be hosting open mic nights and art exhibits to raise community engagement in topics of social justice and mental health awareness. Coming soon...

Upcoming Programs & Events

A Night of Art: Introduction to Islamic Art, event with DePaul UMMA (coming soon).

Art of Community Youth, program with Muslim Association of Bolingbrook beginning in July.

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For more info regarding this project, please contact the artist, Muhammad Khanan Chaudhry, at theartofkhanan@gmail.com