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What Matters to you? What Matters are socially-engaged arts experiences breaking down barriers among individuals, communities and society. Conceived in 2011 by artist Lana Yu, What Matters programs are realized as free public programs in the visual, literary and performing arts to diverse participants and audience members. We are powered by the passion and resources of teaching artists, facilitators and community organizations. We thank all our supporters both locally and further flung who contributed to make the arts happen, enlarging our world, and connecting us to each other. Parts of this ongoing social practice/art project have been supported in part by an award from ArtsWestchester and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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penpal Download Flyer (PDF)
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Pen Pal/Mail Art Project: The Power of Handwritten Connections

What Matters to youths from around the world? Kids 11-14 connect to a penpal using words and pictures to tell each other about their lives. Some of the mixed media art made in the class was donated to the Art for Alleppo cause, raising funds for the children Syrian refugees. Concieved by Embark Peekskill.
I am Woman: Maiden, Mother, MatriarchDownload Flyer (PDF)
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Maiden, Mother, Matriarch

What Matters to Women at Different Ages and Stages of Life? Women of all ages expressed what matters to them through poetry, story and movement from Spring 2016 to 2017 culminating in a final performance from women in the community. Directed by Katie Schmidt Feder, Embark Peekskill.

Concurrently, Marcy B. Freedman held six lively discussions engaging over 60 women from their 50's to 90's culminating in a one woman show entitled Women Rising, Scars and All. In collaboration with Skin Against Metal, a unique soundtrack and musical presentation accompanies the show. Encore performance on April 30, 2017 at the Croton Free Libarary in Croton, NY.

family theaterDownload Flyer (PDF)
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Families Acting Out!###


Families and best friends express through music and drama what matters to them. The final presentation includes a co-created blues song and drama skits playing out the themes of life. Taught and directed by actor Leslie Field Cruz and musician MJ Territo. Hosted by Ridvan Foxhall at New Era Creative Space (NECS).
intercultural theaterDownload Flyer (PDF)

I am Here. I Belong.###

Embark presents a unique presentation exploring the immigrant experience and what matters. Dozens of immigrants from all over, first, second generation and beyond gather to discuss issues of identity and home. Project directed by Sol Miranda and facilitated with Juana Pinyol in collaboration with the Community and the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art. Live performances, written and performed by Sol Miranda are based on real stories from immigrant experiences: Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7:30PM and Sunday, Oct. 15 at 3PM. Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, 1701 Main Street in Peekskill, New York. $5 suggested donation.


Connecting Stories, Connecting Lives
A reading of stories filled with memory and meaning

Folks in their 50s to 90's share the deepest meaning of their lives. In hearing their voices and knowing their hearts we know our own. This six week class held at Peekskill's Field Library brought together people of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, creating a unique bond among the students and writing teacher, Cathy Wald. This video records the final presenation at the Senior Citizens Club. Almost a hundred people attended connecting the participants of the class with the larger community.


A penny for your thoughts about WHAT MATTERS!

Have you seen the What Matters mural in Peekskill, New York? The best viewing spot is 1045 Park Street, next to C-Town. This mural was conceived by Lana Yu, who guided 88 people ages 4 to 80+ to create it. The phrases on the mural are a selection of responses from hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds and ages.

On Saturday, November 12, 2016 Marcy B. Freedman and filmmaker, Larry Horowitz interviewed folks on the street to share what they thought of the mural and what matters to them. Enjoy these photos.

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