Editor’s Note: Meet one of our new contributors, Paula Bartlett of #thesavageway. Paula will be writing an upcoming monthly column on noteworthy Charlotte women doing interesting things (email us here if you have a suggestion : ) As a co-owner of a local business and a woman in the marketing world, we look forward to hearing her perspective. Until then, I think you’ll enjoy reading about her company’s Clean Graffiti campaign for the Mint Museum’s FREE youth art program, and the creative ways they are spreading the word to teens and families.
The Mint Museum has created a FREE art program geared toward youth ages 14-18. Called NexGen Mint, it is a collaborative-style program that empowers teens to create and explore artistic experiences. The Mint strongly believes that our teenagers need to be shown all sides of the arts – visual, performance, new media – in a safe and encouraging space. NexGen Mint desires to be a central connection to the flourishing arts community here in Charlotte.
“We want to show our growing teenage population that art is important,†said Scott Queen, Digital Media Manager for the Mint Museum. “The Mint has the opportunity to provide kids a safe, creative space that might not be available in their everyday environment.â€
Spreading the word about NexGen Mint has been a top priority to the Mint staff. And just like the Mint challenges us all to “think beyond the wall†in regards to art, this youth-centered initiative pushed the team to think beyond traditional marketing.
Enter #thesavageway.
#thesavageway is a local marketing company that specializes in developing creative solutions for clients. Services range from social media strategy and creative content to signage solutions like Clean Graffiti and Moss Art.
Queen, his team and #thesavageway brainstormed the best approach to reach these teenagers on a daily basis. Clean Graffiti was used to distribute thoughtful, interactive art pieces in the areas of town that kids frequent.
Clean Graffiti is the process of taking an image (company logo, phrase, artwork), cutting it into in a specialized stencil and then using high-pressured water to clean the image onto dirty pavement. A clean message on a dirty sidewalk.
The hopscotch and boombox Clean Graffiti allow teens to ask the question, “How Loud is Your Art Voice?†The goal is to encourage teens to take a stand when it comes to the importance of art in everyday life.
GET YOUR TEEN INVOLVED
NexGen Mint Program Details:
- NexGenMint.org: This social mash-up site (coming soon) will be an interactive space for teens to talk about art and inspiration.
- Mint Teen Pass: This museum pass is FREE for teenagers 14-18 years old and gives access to all things happening at both the Mint Museum Uptown and Randolph Road locations. Register here.
- Events: Membership includes monthly hangouts where teens gather at that Mint Museum to discuss art and participate in peer-to-peer conversations.
- Workshops: Design Labs are half-day workshops for participants to interact with local and visiting artists in a skill-intensive setting. Topics vary but are centered on developments in the art world and possible career paths.
The Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation and IBM generously sponsor NexGen Mint and its subsequent programs. NexGen Mint is still in its infancy but this program has big plans for the future. With the proper funding, NexGen Mint will be able to partner with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and truly bring the art community straight to the teens.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
NEXGEN Mint Team:
Cynthia Moreno, Director of Learning & Engagement cynthia.moreno@mintmuseum.org
Joel Smeltzer, School Programs Director, joel.smeltzer@mintmuseum.org
Alexandra Olivares, Learning & Engagement Assistant, alexandra.olivares@mintmuseum.org
