Youngsters at the Hoboken Housing Authority will have a new, free summer arts program thanks to a partnership between the city’s Division of Cultural Affairs and the Dance with Derrick program.
The summer arts program will offer workshops in hip hop, spoken word, percussion, photography, acting, mural art, fashion, and entrepreneurship.
This initiative is a direct response to feedback from the HHA community, who have requested more programming following the tragic killing of 21-year-old resident Damon Murray in late April.
“We are committed to providing our youth with positive and constructive opportunities that foster their creativity and personal growth,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“This new arts program aims to empower our young residents by offering them a platform to express themselves and learn from accomplished artists and instructors.”
The program will feature a lineup of presenters and instructors, including Quadir Ladson, Shakera Frazier, Chris Linton, Jason Quinones, Robert Rosa, and DJ Dugspin. These experts will guide participants through various artistic disciplines, helping them develop
new skills and explore their passions.
Sessions will be held in the 7th & Jackson Street Gym, which will be named after Murray at a date to be determined, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and are divided into three sessions:
Session 1: June 24 – June 28
Session 2: July 1 – July 3
Session 3: July 8 – July 12
Residents are welcome to sign up for any single session or all three, depending on their interests and availability. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This program is offered at no cost to HHA residents, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent youth from participating in these valuable experiences.
For more information and to register, HHA residents can click here and registration opens on Monday, June 17th, at 6 p.m.