Community Arts Network

Guess what just landed in your inbox? 📩 Our 1-2-3-4 March Newsletter! This month, we spotlight El Sistema’s 50th-year journey—from a small rehearsal of 13 musicians in 1975 to a movement that now impacts 1.26 million children and youth worldwide. Last month, CAN’s Managing Director, Anis Barnat, co-founder of El Sistema Greece, attended the 50th-anniversary celebrations in Venezuela and reflect on how music continues to shape communities, empower youth, and drive social change. And of course, our usual roundup of incredible funding and other opportunities from across the globe. Along with introducing you to CAN members who are doing some extraordinary work. Not subscribed yet? Sign up now to get the latest updates, opportunities, and inspiring stories straight to your inbox! Subscribe now and confirm your subscription to receive all our previous newsletter editions as well in the welcome email! Link here- https://encr.pw/Dx6fM #communityartsnetwork #arts #MarchNewsletter #socialchange #socialimpact #artists #changemakers #ElSistema #musicians #music #Venezuela #explorepage

The answer (and power) is in the word "transformative". This powerful quote by American visual artist and teacher Alex Grey goes to the heart of how art works in the world, to grow us....and grow positive change. To transform. #communityartsnetwork #arts #quotes #AlexGrey #tranformativeart #quoteoftheday

Are you a nonprofit working with creativity and culture to drive social impact? Then this Open Call by Moleskine Foundation is for you! Selected organisations will receive an unrestricted grant of EUR 5,000 and gain access to a global community. Only few more days left to to apply - don't miss it!

We would love to introduce you to Hazem Header - a CAN member who uses movement and dance to empower people and create spaces for diversity and expression. He is the founder of NÜT Dance Company (NDC) in Cairo and has been creating powerful dance performances and cultural events since 2013. Recognized internationally, Hazem was selected for the IETM Global Connectors programme in 2021 and now serves on the IETM Advisory Committee (2024). With a background in physical education, biomechanics, and contemporary dance, his journey continues to inspire and innovate. Follow Hazem to see his groundbreaking work in contemporary dance and cultural storytelling. Click here- https://lnkd.in/gPe3pyFC #communityartsnetwork #arts #socialchange #socialimpact #CANMember #dance #dancers #artist #storytelling #Artsforchange #dancer #contemporarydance #egypt🇪🇬 #Cairo Breaking Walls Festival PLACE Network

Ever sent a wish that could travel beyond Earth? A once in a lifetime opportunity is here for you! For the first time, in collaboration with the Ministry of Creativity LLC, Lifeship, and NASA, a historic initiative is collecting 384,400 wishes for every kilometer between Earth and the Moon, and yours could be one of them! Make your mark on the universe! Send your wish today (free or with a commemorative certificate). Click here to send- https://lnkd.in/gznzK6wx #communityartsnetwork #arts #socialchange #socialimpact #SendYourWish #NASA #Lifefship #Ministryofcreativity

Q: What does moviemaking, solar energy and social entrepreneurship have in common? A: Sunshine Cinema! Meet CAN member Sunshine Cinema—a non-profit solar-powered media network transforming storytelling into action. By equipping young entrepreneurs with mobile solar cinema kits called Sunboxes, they empower them to earn an income, spark social change, and tackle pressing issues like youth unemployment, gender-based violence and conservation. Sunshine Cinema have held screenings in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Kenya, making impactful films accessible to communities and also giving a message that cinema can be a catalyst for change. Follow Sunshine Cinema to stay tuned to their work! #communityartsnetwork #arts #socialchange #socialimpact #Organisationfeature #CANmember #cinema #films #storytelling #conservation

El Canto de las Manos, directed by María Valverde, showcases the transformative power of music in uniting communities and amplifying unheard voices. Premiering on March 21 at the Málaga Film Festival, this documentary follows the journey of Jennifer, Gabriel and José, three Deaf and Hard of Hearing musicians from Venezuela, who must overcome adversities in order to bring to life Beethoven's Fidelio, its first ever staging in Sign Language, conducted by the world renowned orchestra director, Gustavo Dudamel. This film is a testament to how the arts have the power to break barriers, empower marginalized voices, and create a world where everyone belongs. El Canto de las Manos is produced by Quinchoncho and Forty Entertainment, in association with The DeNovo Initiative and The Breathe Project; and with the support of the Hilti Foundation, the Rigler-Deutsch Foundation and Porticus and the Community Arts Network (CAN). Watch the trailer here- https://lnkd.in/gYZrJJ7W #CommunityArtsNetwork #Musiceducation #ElSistema ##gusavoduddamel #elcantodelasmanos #Málaga #Filmfestival #Premiere #28FestivalMálaga

We wanted to share this powerful video as we wrap up another week! Together We Rise is more than just a track—it is a powerful anthem of resilience, hope, and defiance against oppression. Created by the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, this moving piece embodies the voices of Afghan women, refusing to be silenced despite the challenges they face. At CAN, we believe in the transformative power of music as a force for change. This composition is a testament to how art can illuminate injustice and inspire collective action. Watch the powerful video here: https://lnkd.in/gtiePuun Anis Barnat #MusicForChange #CommunityArtsNetwork ##CAN #ArtAsResistance

What better way to celebrate #WorldPoetryDay than....with a poem! CAN member, Siphokazi Jonas, is a poet, author, performer and producer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She's published her first collection of poetry, entitled "Weeping Becomes a River". And in this video, she reads one of her poem from the book, "First Baptism". Enjoy! If you are in South Africa, limited signed copies of the book are available! Click here- www.siphokazijonas.com #communityartsnetwork #arts #socialchange #socialimpact #WorldPoetryDay #poet #writer #performer Penguin Random House South Africa

CAN Member and Senior Ambassador Kumi Naidoo is a keynote speaker at the 2025 Lannan Symposium: “Writing Climate” at 7:00 PM on 26 March.    For three nights between 25-27 March, the symposium will explore how literature, science, and activism meet around climate change. The events are open to the public with free entry but require registration. You can read more about the program here: https://lnkd.in/g5dQ-CQP #CommunityArtsNetwork