Main St also strengthens communities by training, coaching and mentoring a new generation to be work ready through the Tech Innovation STEAM Programming. Having gained their passion for multimedia work as youth participants of an out of school program, Pulsus Digital producers want to inspire youth in the same way. As youth, they developed the skills and enthusiasm for computer programming, website building and photography. This early fascination propelled them to continue developing these as well as other media skills. Their aspirations and skills have led them to becoming highly regarded experts in the local multimedia industry, doing work they love.
Tech Innovation introduces youth to the multimedia industry through marketable skill development, personal development and community connectivity. In collaboration with other local youth serving organizations and schools, programming includes internships, after school, and out of school activities.
Tech Innovation currently prioritizes the following regional needs and issues:
- Challenges with participating in afterschool programming during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Disparity issues related to equity in the STEM workforce
- Culturally responsive programming that addresses micro-messaging
·Black working Artists need support to equitably market and sell their art. A platform that allows them the freedom to showcase their cultural expression based on their experiences and the experiences of their communities, while allowing them to make money. Although progress has been made to be more supportive of black artists, data shows there still remains a question of equity and inclusivity.
The art ecosystem still remains predominately a white space - most American Artist who successfully make a living from selling their art are white, while the curators, museums, galleries and other venues that set the standard for art are mainly white owned, operated and staffed (Among 18 major U.S. museums, 85% of artists featured are while, while 87% are men, according to 2019 Study by Williams College). And because of the lack of black representation within this system, when it does come to exhibiting black art, these platforms usually base their selection of which black artists to display on their comfort and viewpoint.
Beyond building inclusivity within these structures, we need to transform the structural landscape to combat this historical inequity. One way is to increase black operated platforms that identify with black artists experiences and can provide them cultural support. Working with other black art organizations, PD Arts Collective will provide multimedia, technology and marketing / branding support that provides equitable economic opportunities for black artist to promote, showcase and sell their art.
