Kofi Walker - My online portfolio!

My Community Arts Work in SXM Since 1999

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IAF Mission Statement

Independent Artists’ Foundation is committed to promoting the performing arts in a goal-oriented, safe and caring environment through the delivery of workshops, lectures and performances that fosters excellence, personal growth and a love for life long learning through the arts.

It is the goal of IAF is to provide employment and training for local artists, in addition to supplying the community with educational and performance opportunities through IAF creative arts programs.

IAF aim is to promote inclusion and tolerance among all age groups in order to generate good community spirit and exceptional talents. We believe that the arts should be accessible to all.

General Goals:

To develop IAF as a performing arts centre that works in partnership with schools, youth groups, community centres and the commercial community to foster an interest in theatre and after school programs.
Provide employment for freelance artists and collaborate with local and international creative arts and community arts workers.
To enhance creative and cultural activities throughout St. Maarten / St. Martin.
Write and develop educational programs that are relevant to children and youths on St. Maarten / St. Martin in relation to health and hygiene.
To work with children and youths who are less able than those of mainstream schools and youth groups. Particularly special educational needs through movement therapy.

Specific Objective:

Develop IAF PAASA (Performing Arts After School Activities)
Produce yearly reviews and monthly field trips for children and youths.
Provide a mentoring program for teens and young adults interested in arts performances and administration.
Establish a radical radio and television program on HIV/AIDS awareness.
Establish an alternative school for children living with learning and physical disabilities.

Independent Artists Foundation

With my tenacity and commitment, IAF is moving forward on Arts and Education... The force behind the successes and continuation of these kinds of activities are attributed to his extensive efforts. Walker a teacher at the St. Maarten Academy is currently looking forward to engaging youths in a project entitled 'Red Hot Dance' for the summer July 2007.

We have also had the pleasure of working with Assalay Wodobode an extraordinary dance teacher for hip hop, Jazz and afro-Caribbean, she is also a great performer. She teamed up last year with IAF appearing in several productions, including stage performances and teaching for the Belvedere Community Foundation and Bureau Educaa (Social inclusion) programs. Assalay also played leading lady in her fabulous impersonation of Josephine Baker adorned in her “Banana Skirt” costume both at my birthday Party at the “Tree Lounge” Restaurant and Bar December 16th, 2006 and later at Bliss…!!! Assalay is featured (4th phot below) in a moment of Trance during her 2006 Appearance for the St. Maarten’s Emancipation Day Celebration at the Cultural Centre July 1st, 2006.

I must acknowledged the input of the youths who assisted in our programs such as Nigel Lalman, Alex Samuels, Adona Costello, Jacques Heemskerk they are a few of the various youths who have worked in or programs and made positive impact on children in the community.

Our activities last summer included weekly dance classes for children and adults, drama and sign language. Ask about our Red Hot Summer Dance Program coming up for the Month of July, or if you are a dancer interested in the new productions kindly contact me on +59 0690 22 92 59

IAF continues to support the arts with activities that are varied and versatile, we make allowances for individuals to discover themselves through the arts, this enhances what we offer and all who participates leave our activities feeling special about themselves.

This year IAF has cut back on a lot of the community activities we provided to children and youths on the island due to a lack of funding and the mounting administrative work required. We are open to volunteers and any assistance that you can offer… We also provide training and guidance for youths interested in working with youths. If you would like to see images or a DVD of IAF community projects please contact me.

IAF special moments captured on camera that include presentations of our parents, friends and participants of IAF PAASA (Performing Arts after School Activities), some of the various groups we work with can be obtained on photos or you can order one of our DVDs.

Our activities also include Sign Language, Dance, Drama, Modeling, Physical Theatre, Stilt Walking and Choreography. We are specialist at amplifying the forté of all talents we engage in our activities.

Thanks again for your interest and kind support!