The purpose of Empowerment Arts is to create productions with cultural and educational influence. Employees or affiliates with skills in filmmaking, videography, and other artistic mediums will be called upon by the organization to create artistic productions with public benefit. The directors of Empowerment Arts will develop ideas for projects, gather funding necessary to complete productions, em
ploy the talent needed for all stages of production, and after production, offer a means to promote and distribute the finished work. Idea development for projects may begin in a number of ways. Most typically it will start with the board of directors doing research on current events related to minorities, human rights issues, progressive demand, conservation, or other individuals, groups, or issues needing empowerment. A project may also spawn from a prospective client offering a compelling story to be produced through an artistic medium. This client might be another producer, non-profit, or artistic talent with a true story he or she wants to be shared with a mass audience. Empowerment Arts will take on the role of fundraising through the work of the board of directors, secretary, and treasurers. As each project's needs may be different, fundraising tactics may vary. Experienced fundraisers will organize events, gather donations directly or through product donations, and setup pledge-based, online networking fund sources. The organization will also employ a web of networking with related non-profits and organizations to spread the word about projects, and potentially obtain funds. Once a project idea has been developed, and a goal set, the directors of Empowerment Arts will employ the talent needed for each project's creative requirements. As each project may be different, the talent will be selected specifically for each project, and may or may not be reoccurring, permanent employees; they will be contracted freelancers for Empowerment Arts. The talent may include workers for all stages of productions (directors, producers, actors, writers, choreographers, etc.), or the organization may call upon a select producer to hire their own crew for the production of the project. After a film production is complete, and begins distribution in film festivals, theaters, and home video releases, Empowerment Arts officers and board members will volunteer to present the film in educational settings, and make it available to educators. A guidebook for educators will be made to accompany each project. Special presentations with guest speakers, and a professional showing can be arranged by Empowerment Arts in the surrounding area of the officers or by special request elsewhere. Outside this region (which will hopefully grow over time), the film will be made available for educators to have a video copy shipped to them, or a special download link will be given to reach and educate audiences worldwide. So, in effect, Empowerment Arts will act as the spring-board, mentor, and usher for films, videos, and art projects that may not easily find support from typical avenues of funding and producing due to topics in relation to the human rights of minorities, controversies, or other movements counter to the mainstream. Due to the difficulties these much-needed projects face, the organization will act as a production house, executive producer, professional contributor, educational presenter, or other roles that may be needed for these artistic visions to be seen, and make an impact on society.
