African Culture Connection Receives Program Grant from Nebraska Arts Council

African Culture Connection (ACC; www.AfricanCultureConnection.org) announced the receipt of a $7,970 grant from Nebraska Arts Council for Student-Focused Authentic Cultural Experiences with African Culture Connection (ACC).

“We are extremely grateful for the funding from Nebraska Arts Council,” said Charles Ahovissi, executive/artistic director of African Culture Connection. “This funding will support both the expansion of an in-school residency program and professional development for the Teaching Artists who conduct the program.”

The $7,970 awarded by the Nebraska Arts Council, through an Arts Project Grant, will support African Culture Connection’s expansion of the ACC/OPS Multicultural Arts/Middle School Social Studies Curriculum Integration Pilot Program into 17 classrooms in eight schools within Omaha Public Schools. The Teaching Artists who will be conducting the program will engage in professional development training in Togo, Benin, and Ghana for 14 days in December 2018. A multi-day event planned for February 23–24 will showcase the multi-cultural experiences of collaborators from all programming with the general public.

African Culture Connection is an organization of professional teaching and performing artists using authentic African dance, music, visual arts, and storytelling to encourage students to learn more about the positive contributions African cultures have made to society. Founded by Charles Ahovissi, a professional dancer, drummer, performer, choreographer, stage costume designer, and tailor from Benin, West Africa, African Culture Connection’s mission is to educate audiences through African culture and art experiences, to encourage an appreciation for the richness diversity brings to all. Learn more at www.AfricanCultureConnection.org or contact (402) 556-5143 / info@africancultureconnection.org.