Empowering Creativity: Abdul Ali's Journey with Thrive Arts and Community Building in Art
Abdul Ali is a prolific poet, writer, and cultural worker with a diverse background in nonprofit consulting. Having held significant roles in Maryland's arts programs and academia, including teaching positions at prestigious institutions, Abdul's contributions to the literary world have been recognized through awards like the 2019 Ruby Grant. As a co-founder and co-chief executive officer of Thrive Arts, he ardently fosters capacity building within communities of color. Raised in Queens, New York, Abdul's journey underscores his commitment to nurturing creativity and empowering artists on their paths to success.
In this broadcast, we dive deep into:
Abdul discusses his upbringing, creative philosophy, and the mission of Thrive Arts. Abdul shares how his early exposure to art and poetry in school shaped his love for the written word and the power of voice. He emphasizes the importance of honesty, curiosity, and creating a safe space for artists to take risks. Abdul also discusses the need for capacity building in the arts community and how Thrive Arts aims to provide resources and support to artists of color. He highlights the diverse forms of art and creativity that exist in all corners of our community and encourages embracing and valuing these expressions.
Mentioned in the episode
Thrive Arts
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This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.Â
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