Arts Council Awarded Philip Morris USA Grant


Philip Morris USA, Cabarrus Operations, is awarding $7,600 to the Cabarrus Arts Council in support of after-school multi-cultural programs in a new program, Art After 3.  This grant will allow the arts council to bring Obakunle Akinlana, a 2003-2004 Regional Artist Grant Recipient, to every Kids Plus Site in Cabarrus County Schools and Kannapolis City Schools .

Akinlana is a masterful storyteller who uses drums, shekeres, and other African musical instruments to present folktales from Nigeria .  Since starting his career with the O.J. Harris African Drum and Dance Ensemble in 1971, he has performed as a storyteller and percussionist throughout the southeastern United States .  He travels each year to Nigeria to learn traditional stories and to observe African customs.  His programs focus on the arts and folklore of the Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria .

Art After 3 will include a mixture of African crafts, drumming and dance that are woven together with folk tales.  Students will learn the customs of Africa and the lessons that are embedded in African tales.  Akinlana has a gift for assessing his audience and selecting stories with the messages they need to hear.  He also is tremendously skilled at involving audience members in his performances.