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History of the Foluké Cultural Arts Center
The Lane Institute for Family Enrichment (LIFE) Cultural Arts Center was a concept that was developed by Dava Cansler in 2002 as a result of a neighborhood survey conducted by the Board of Christian Education of Lane Metropolitan CME Church. The Center was renamed Foluké Cultural Arts Center in May of 2002. The word Foluké (Foh LOO' kay) originates from the West African Region of Nigeria, meaning 'Placed in god's care'. The African symbol, Gye Nyame (Jeh, N YAH' mae) originated from Ghana and it represents the omnipotence, omnipresence, and immortality of god: "Except god or only god".
The mission of this inner-city community based cultural arts center is to provide training in the discipline of the performing arts, regardless of religious affiliation or economic background. The programs at Foluké are family oriented with focus placed on at-risk youth. The goal is provide an alternative to negative behaviors by instilling self-pride and boosting self-confidence through self-expression, self-discovery, and discipline.
The dance component of the Foluké Cultural Arts Center is underway, with plans to add theater arts such as: drama, stage production and design, instrumental and vocal music. The planning phase is pending the procurement of additional funding, and the recruitment of arts professionals to provide training. The goal is to combine all the disciplines, to present end-of-semester performances that are presented and produced by the Foluké participants.
In 2002 the Foluké Cultural Arts Center in its first two shows, at Cuyahoga Community College's Metropolitan Campus Main Stage Theater, with The Cleveland School of the Arts, Urban Dance Collective as their special guests. Also in 2002 the Foluké Cultural Arts Center Youth Ensemble performed at the Cleveland Rock Hall of Dame during a Kwanzaa holiday performance. In May 2003 Foluké performed two shows in honor of Mother's Day, also at Cuyahoga Community College's Main Stage Theater. June of last year the Foluké Cultural Arts Center embarked on it's first performance tour to Jacksonville Florida, where they performed at the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Jacksonville. October 2003 Foluké Cultural Arts Center hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit Luncheon entitled "In the Company of My Sisters" in which the ballet "Journey Through" was debuted. December 2003 Foluké premiered "The Coming of the King" at Cuyahoga Community College, Eastern Campus, and in 2004 premiered "Miracles" in 2004 at Cuyahoga Community College's Metro Campus. In 2005 "The Coming of the King" was presented at Cuyahoga Community College incorporating the Cleveland School of the Arts (both campuses), Foluke Cultural Arts Center and the Great Lakes Academy of Dance. All of the aforementioned performances were under the Artistic Directorship of Mr. Terence Greene.
In 2006 The Foluke Cultural Arts Center added Drama and Visual Arts to it curriculum. This year also marked the departure of Mr. Terence Greene as Artistic Director to start his new company.
The Foluké Cultural Arts Center is not a church affiliated organization, and does not conform to any church doctrine. It is open and available to all seek it regardless of race, or religious affiliation. There is however, a spiritual base that underlies it's operation. That spirituality is governed by respect for one's beliefs, and respect for one's own individuality.
The Foluké Cultural Arts Center was incorporated in February, 2003 and received its' 501c3 non-profit status, May 2003. Contributions to this organization are tax deductible and may be made payable to Foluké Cultural Arts Center, Inc.
Currently, Foluké Cultural Arts Center is conducting outreach programs in the Central Neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio.
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