Emmy Xu '22 and her new organization, Artivism, added a splash of color and joy to life in Trenton, New Jersey, through virtual cultural programming this summer. Her team, including Peddie students Clara Choi ’21, Aylin Karagozoglu ’21, Neha Sathishkumar ’21, and Chris Hussey ’22 as well as Kassidy Planas '21 and Lily Paturzo '21 of the Guilford High School in Connecticut, began the project as an effort to leverage art in combating education inequality.

Artivism had three goals for their summer work: to offer arts and academic programming in Trenton in collaboration with the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. (LALDEF); to raise awareness about the issue of education inequality; and to raise funds to help LALDEF families in need.

"The existing problem of education inequality has been further exacerbated by the coronavirus, as poorer households have limited access to high-speed internet connection and thus education," said Xu. "Upon further research, we realized that there is a lost opportunity for low-income families who are unable to afford tutors, test prep courses and extracurricular activities."

Artivism partnered with LALDEF, a grassroots nonprofit organization formed to defend the civil rights of Latin Americans and facilitate their access to health care and education while fostering intercultural communication in the Mercer County area.

For Hussey, the project was a "perfect balance between my two passions, community service and the arts."

Volunteers taught theater classes via zoom, involving singing, dancing, acting and more. They also offered academic tutoring services, helping students with English and Math, and private piano and voice lessons, all for free. All classes and services were provided in conjunction with LALDEF's "Talleres de Verano" summer program.

"With the stress that the Coronavirus has put on the children and their families, we hoped to do what we could to bring some fun into their summer through the arts," said Xu.

In addition to teaching, the team created a website and held three virtual arts showcases to both raise awareness and funds to support LALDEF's efforts. Showcases featured student and professional talent in music, theater, dance and visual arts. They enlisted local area businesses as sponsors, including Yendor Theater Company (Newark), Jersey City Theater Center, Nassau Presbyterian Church, The Bent Spoon and Milk and Cookies. While the showcases were free of charge, donations were requested. Artivism raised $2,200 for LALDEF by summer’s end.

"Our unique branding positioning boosted our cause," said Xu. "It was hard work, but it was a good learning experience and worth it in the end." 

Clara Choi found Artivism to be a meaningful way to share her love for the arts and embrace her creative voice while benefiting and supporting the community. “Education inequality is an extremely pressing issue in our society,” said Choi, “Our collaboration with LALDEF has allowed us to take the very necessary steps towards providing academic resources for all students."

Xu believes in the importance of social action and compassion during the new normal.

"Through collective action, we can make a change."