Creating Communities (“2C”) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded and directed by award-winning musician and community leader Rob Levit. Creating Communities creates innovative arts programs for those most deserving in Anne Arundel County, Maryland – particularly adults with severe mental illness, hospital patients, children with emotional issues, low-income and at-risk youth, and the eld
erly. Creating Communities is governed by a Board of Directors made up of creative individuals who take an active interest in how the arts can be used as a vehicle to serve the community. Vision:
Creating communities where the arts are an integral component of our social fabric; where the power of creativity connects, enriches and transforms lives. Mission:
Harness the power of the arts to build life skills and self-esteem, and foster connections across cultures. We accomplish this by partnering with communities and organizations to reach the underserved and provide direct access to the arts through innovative programs and mentorships. Areas of Interest:
To create and support arts-based activities and programs in schools and community centers as an inspirational and long-lasting vehicle to teach life skills to area youth, and at-risk youth in particular. To create and support arts-based activities for non-profit organizations in Annapolis and beyond that foster innovative and collaborative life-skills programs for underserved populations. To create and support arts-based innovation, renewal, training, and development programs for non-profit organizations that otherwise would not be able to afford such services. To create and support arts-based multi-cultural exchange and communication through the arts in the Annapolis area and beyond by partnering with artists and organizations from diverse creative and geographical backgrounds to foster community-based, affordable programs and workshops. Ongoing Projects:
Arts Mentorship Academy – An arts camp and mentorship program for low-income and at-risk youth that provides intensive visual, musical and dramatic experiences
Voices of Our Elders – A program that documents the stories of WWII veterans and Holocaust survivors in Anne Arundel County by training high school students to interview senior citizens www.voicesofourelders.com
Arts Enrichment – Therapeutic arts programs designed to meet the needs of the traditionally underserved including Wellness House (cancer patients), Hope House (residential drug rehabilitation center), and Sarah’s House (homeless families)
Completed Projects:
Arundel Lodge – Six-month integrated arts and music program for adults with mental illness (included two art exhibits, a musical performance and weekly arts instruction)
Children’s Guild – Two-month integrated arts program for children with severe emotional problems
Secret Club – Art exhibit and speaker on subject of perinatal loss and art therapy
Welcome Ceremony – Hand-made flags and parade to welcome ensemble from Bali, Indonesia to Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Bates Middle School – Six-week integrated after-school arts program (mural, dance, music, poetry, and drama) for students
Art Cart – A therapeutic art program to bring creativity into patients’ rooms at Anne Arundel Medical Center
Whole Foods Murals – Children from the Arts Mentorship Academy created permanent murals for the Annapolis Whole Foods
