Program Summary

Inter-Cultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Relations is a multidisciplinary arts and education program that strengthens global awareness, cultural competence, and communication skills through international arts education, creative collaboration, and performance-based learning. The program equips youth with the ability to research, interpret, and express cultural narratives responsibly through writing, performance, and visual arts.

Participants engage in immersive learning that moves from skill development to a full-scale creative production, culminating in professionally staged cultural arts showcases and traveling performances. By centering truth, representation, and ethical storytelling, the program builds confident communicators, creative leaders, and culturally responsive global citizens.

Program Description

Structure: Hybrid program combining in-person instruction (virtual option available), creative labs, rehearsals, and live showcase productions
Location: Timbuktu ATL and local host sites with traveling showcases to regional and national destinations
Participants: Youth and young adults with diverse performing art abilities
Staff: Educational Director, Program Director, Program Manager, Program Coordinators, Cultural Arts Educators, Creative Directors, Production Staff, Teaching Artists, and Youth Interns

Program Highlights:

• International and intercultural arts education
• Creative development through collaborative productions and showcases
• Leadership development by performance, production, and service roles
• Cultural Arts showcases featuring original student-created work
• Community engagement through donations, art auctions, and public performances 

Curriculum Highlights: 

• Inter-Cultural Communication & Literacy Participants build literacy and communication skills by learning how to research cultures, analyze sources, and communicate respectfully and accurately across differences. Emphasis is placed on ethical storytelling, critical thinking, and clear expression in both written and verbal formats. 
• Write and Exact: Participants learn how to research, verify, and write about global cultures using primary sources, historical records, and lived narratives. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, ethics, and responsible representation.
• Writing progression: rhyme → narrative → long-form writing → book development
• Outcomes: improved literacy, academic performance, professional writing skills, and critical thinking
• Workforce readiness: résumé integrity, ethical communication, and professional storytelling
  • “How to not lie on your resume”

• Creative and Performing Arts Development: 

• Poetry & Spoken word
• Vocal performance & singing
• Acting and Theatrical storytelling
• Wind and String Instruments
• Percussion and Drumming 
• Martial arts, capoeira, and movement-based storytelling
• Dance forms (hip hop, African dance, and fusion styles)
• Dj’ing, live improv music, and B-boying

• Leadership, Production, and Service Learning

• Cultural Arts Showcase Experience: Each showcase is a professionally produced, student led event honoring global art appreciation. Includes an art auction featuring student created and performance-based works. 

Project Goals and Objectives:

Goal 1:Strengthen intercultural literacy and communication skills

• Objective 1.1: Increase participant capacity to research, interpret, and communicate cultural narratives ethically and effectively.

Goal 2: Support creative, academic, and workforce development

• Objective 2.1: Improve participant writing, presentation, and professional communication skills through arts-based learning and performance.

Goal 3: Cultivate leadership through collaborative arts production

• Objective 3.1: Engage participants in performance, production, and service roles that foster confidence, teamwork, and civic responsibility.

By Program Completion:

• Literacy & Communication Growth (>85%): Improved writing, research, public speaking, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Creative Development (>85%): Demonstrated growth in artistic expression, performance confidence, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Cultural Competency (>80%): Increased intercultural awareness, ethical storytelling practices, and global perspective.
• Workforce Readiness (>80%): Strengthened résumé literacy, professionalism, and job preparation skills.
• Stakeholder Satisfaction (>90%): Positive feedback from participants, families, educators, and community partners.

Evaluation Plan

• Pre- and post-assessments measuring literacy, cultural competency, and professional readiness
• Documentation of creative outputs (writing portfolios, performances, showcases)
• Participant reflections, journals, and instructor evaluations
• Audience, partner, and stakeholder feedback following showcases and traveling performances

Scalability

• Travel nationally then internationally with art showcase production
• In-Kind sponsors covering travel and lodging