LEAF Global Arts Gratitude Report 2021

ANNUAL GRATITUDE REPORT 2021

Connecting cultures & creating community through music, arts education, preservation & experiences.

LEAF International Ivory Coast

SINCE 1995, CELEBRATING 26 YEARS BLACK MOUNTAIN | ASHEVILLE HAITI | TANZANIA | RWANDA | GUATEMALA | COSTA RICA | NOLA | ST.VINCENT & THE GRENADINES | PANAMA | MEXICO | IVORY COAST

theLEAF.org

828.68-MUSIC

19 Eagle St, Suite 120, Asheville, NC 28801

a year's overview

2021 REFLECTIONS & GRATITUDE FROM LEAF LEADERSHIP Beloved LEAF Members, Sponsors, Donors, Partners & Community, From Board Chair and Co-Executive Director 2021 Justice Rogers: I have been very honored and grateful as an Co-Executive Director and Board Chair to work with such an amazing organization. We got to face the changes LEAF Rwanda around us in 2020-2021 with great enthusiasm and focus. Working side by side JR Troupe with Jennifer, keep my drive going to see the arts stay alive at LEAF. Our wonderful staff and board have worked together for us to be well suited for the great opportunities ahead for LEAF. The Global Arts Experience is our center piece for the community and those around the world to visit and engage in our wonderful weekly and monthly activities. I was at every event possible. We have laid a great foundation even during covid for the future with the smaller events and engagement at Global. Continued support will be essential, yet we are here and that was no small feat. The 2021 versions that were smaller in size yet just as powerful in impact. Thank you for the chance opportunity to serve LEAF, Co-Direct, serve as Board Chair and be a representative of LEAF in our community. Thank you for letting me share a little bit of LEAF whenever possible. LEAFLOVE forever! -Justice From Board President Pete Roe: We are so very grateful as an organization that we were able to gradually reconnect in-person with our LEAF family during 2021 in small increments. Our incredible staff and board have worked tirelessly for us to be well positioned to broaden those opportunities for connection in 2022 and beyond. The LEAF Global Arts Experience is our centerpiece for these interactions. I invite each of you to visit often to engage with the exciting activities we have planned. As always, the festivals will provide us with a chance to celebrate the gift of the arts. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this fantastic LEAF community and for the incredible support the LEAF family provides to our organization. -Pete

Board Leaders Justice & Pete

IMPACT 2021 Connecting cultures & creating community through music, arts education, preservation & experiences.

SCHOOLS & STREETS 15 Resident Teaching Artists 25 Visiting Teaching Artists 36 Kennedy Center BCS Teachers 202/21 Cohort 68 Unique Cultural Arts Programs 3 Virtual Visiting Teaching Artists 2,425 Youth Participants in person 2021 147+ Virtual Youth participants (+YouTube) 82,600 youth participants since 2004!

Easel Rider+ ULEAF

Otto Vazquez

69

TEACHING ARTISTS+CULTURE KEEPERS SUPPORTED 2021

163

CULTURAL ARTS PROGRAMS 2021

106

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED SINCE 1995

509,300+

LEAFERS|PATRONS|ATTENDEES SINCE 1995

34 After School Events 6 Community Events 8 ULEAF Community Events 860 Youth + Families Participants 6 Easel Rider Teaching Artists

INTERNATIONAL 10 countries | 14 programs 22 Culture Keepers & Teaching Artists 5 Schools | 7 Community Centers | 1 Orphanage 4 ONEmic Studios 72 Cultural Exchanges to date since 2009 780+ youth participating weekly 4880+ youth participants since 2006!

SIGNATURE EVENTS RETREAT.DOWNTOWN.FESTIVAL Audience (in person): 9300 Retreat:1000, Downtown:5000, Festival:3300 Countries Represented: 59 Retreat:21, Downtown:14, Festival: 24 Performing Artists: 144 Bands/Acts Retreat:53, Downtown:33, Festival:58 LEAF GLOBAL ARTS EXPERIENCE 3,970 Visitors (This does not include Artists & Youth included in LSS and Downtown or Staff) 44 Special Events

LEAF LOVE SINCE 1995 BLACK MOUNTAIN | ASHEVILLE HAITI | TANZANIA | RWANDA | GUATEMALA | COSTA RICA | NOLA | ST.VINCENT & THE GRENADINES | PANAMA | MEXICO | IVORY COAST

HIGHLIGHTS +PIVOTS AT A GLANCE SEE LEAF GLOBAL ARTS YOUTUBE TO COMPLEMENT REPORT

REPORT CONTENT Reflection by LEAF Board Leaders Impact Overview Highlights Finances: Overview * Funding Partners Membership & Donors LEAF Global Arts Experience LEAF International :EAF Schools & Streets Equity Guiding Principles Signature Events LEAF Leadership

HIGHLIGHTS 2021 LEAF Global Classroom with CWA STARS youth (August 2020-May 2021) Adama Dembele visits LEAF International NOLA BEST OF 2021 LEAF International NOLA Burial Beer NEA LatinX Grant which helped seed LEAF Retreat and LEAF 49.5th 1st Place + Hall of Fame!

Festival •Music-Related Nonprofit Building a New LEAF Team with the support of 1st Co-Director during this LEAF Global Arts transition •Local Music Festival Essential & Extraordinary Funding has allowed us to be here today! Save LEAF Festival Our Stages Grant •Cultural or Arts Event 1st LEAF Summer Camp at Global LEAF Festival Crucial Conversations Training with SBDTC Coach Chris Slaughter 2nd Place: Local Music LEAF Downtown Theme Concrete Love kicks off with Global Gem Festival - LEAF Downtown Fundraiser at Enter the Earth's Home 3rd Place: Nonprofit That Art Dash 5k Keeps Running with Kick It Events Management Serves the Arts - LEAF 1st Artists in Residence at Global: Adama Dembele of Ivory Coast, Otto.

Global Arts Vazquez of Nu Paradigm & Garfield Bogan of Save Our Brass Culture #LEAFGRATITUDE! Foundation 1st Ethno USA launched at October Festival Global Citizens Themed 49.5th Festival hosted Artists from 22 Countries For 1st time presented Artists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh & Jordan to make 104 Countries represented at LEAF Camp Rockmont sold to Lake Eden Preserve LEAF's Poetry SLAM continues as one of the longest-running slams in history with ACCEPTANCE as the Theme chosen by Michael Purcell.

Collaborating w/ Open Doors of Asheville & Hola Carolina LEAF Global Field Trips come to Life!

Enter the Earth Christmas Party Returns!

36 Teachers in LEAF- Buncombe County Schools Kennedy Center Cohort

2021 Highlight

REFLECTIONS ON GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP FROM BRIAN LINUS NGATUNGA LEAF INTERNATIONAL TANZANIA STUDENT TO COMPASS ADVISOR

LEAF Artists & Compass Advisors

I remember how the students from schools in Asheville gave us their attention when we wore our costumes and showcased our traditional dances. Of course, questions were the best part. What does that dance or song you sang mean? What is life like in Africa? I never felt proud of my culture before, like being in that moment. It felt good answering questions and interacting with teachers and students too. LEAF IS AWARENESS. I can not think of global citizenship without thinking about LEAF. I first came to the US as a traditional dancer with two girls and Mr. Freddy Nganga, a cultural keeper of LEAF International Tanzania, at LEAF’s 44th festival May 2017. I thought that my job was to perform at the festival and go home after, but it was more than that! The Tanzanian crew and I got A-ha moments seeing Rwandese, Haitian, Malawian, and many other performances at the festival. It was very delightful talking to other performers about their artistry, and knowing them. The Rwandese group automatically became our brothers, and we have been communicating since then! I am happy that I have friends from different parts of the world. LEAF IS CONNECTION. The best part of my story is how LEAF keeps impacting my life. I am pursuing my undergraduate studies in the US because of the relationships I made through LEAF. I am a first-year student at Alfred University in New York. The Hanna family and I became friends during the 5-day cultural exchange residencies in Asheville. We(the Tanzanian crew) spent some time at their home. Two years later, they sponsored me to attend Asheville High School as a junior and helped raise money for my senior year in Kokomo, Indiana. It seemed unbelievable that these kind people, whom I had known for only two weeks, changed my life and brought my educational aspirations of studying in the US to life. LEAF IS OPPORTUNITY. As an international living in the US, I have had many opportunities of sharing my culture through food, language, and storytelling with friends, classmates, and even my teachers. I am encouraged to express my culture and its beauty. I am excited about new adventures of learning about other cultures too. That has become my life as being part of the LEAF staff! At the 49.5th festival, I was captivated by the Afghanistan group as they played their instruments. Afterward, they shared about the origin of their musical instruments, the meaning of their songs, and their artistry. At every LEAF, there is always something new to learn and experience, new people to meet, and a generation of memories that never fade! LEAF is making a phenomenal impact on local communities, families, students, and the world. I am excited about the yet-to-come LEAF visions and endeavors! I am blessed to be part of a LEAF puzzle! #LEAFLove -Asante Sana- Brian

Masankho Banda of Malawi & Brian

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW 2021 LEAF Global Arts is dedicated to excellence in our mission, maximizing giving impact, equity, financial oversight, process, governance and transparency.

Financial Statement Overviews are available by request to Development@theLEAF.org

INSIGHTS LEAF was severely impacted financially the continuance of COVID. 77% of LEAF's Annual Revenues were lost in 2020. The revenue streams did not return in 2021. By summer 2021 it was dire, and thankfully after 7 months of extreme Grant work, specifically PPP and the SVOG came through to give a foundation upon which to start rebuilding. These grants accounted for the largest volume of revenue.

While Events contributed higher revenues and incurred higher expenses in 2021 due to bringing them slowly back incrementally, we were able to maintain program funding while investing in LEAF Global Experience. Membership, Grants, and streamlining were essential, and gratefully kept our mission alive and at work.

FUNDING PARTNERS GRATITUDE theLEAF.org/partners

We continue to hold Extraordinary Gratitude to Explore Asheville BCTDA, Bank of America Foundation leaders, and our founding partners and who take immense time and care to build relationships that BUILD COMMUNITY. Their gifts brought LEAF Global Arts Center to life with a vision to be transformational for our community. The pandemic detoured the vision, yet the foundation has been laid and will continue to forge the path forward.

LEAF extends deep gratitude for the generous support of businesses investing in our communities by supporting LEAF’s mission and work. Funding sponsor partners are essential. In 2020-2021, we shifted from event-based relationships to annual partners. To those who pivoted with us- WE ARE SO GRATEFUL! in 2021 grants continued to be a lifeline. We are grateful to these Agencies for grants received in 2021 for their vital support: National Endowment for the Arts(NEA), Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), City of Asheville, Buncombe County, Explore Asheville, NC Arts Council, Asheville Area Arts Council, South Arts, Rex Foundation, Jason Mraz Foundation, & more. From January 2021 until August 2021 a dedicated LEAF team (Heather, Leigh Chelcie, Jennifer, and the Board Finance Team) worked intensely on the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) also known as "Save Our Stages". It was a beast and the stress was intense. SVOG was a lifeline but we're not out of the weeds yet. At the end of 2021, LEAF is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic on in-person events but we are grateful the SVOG helped us rebuild our resource foundation so we can be here and starting to rebuild. It will be a journey, and we are grateful YOU are with us to look towards the future. Each of the precious giving pathways is vital. Thank YOU!

SPONSOR PARTNERS

LEAF LOVE ENDOWMENT FUND The purpose of the Fund is to support LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International cultural arts programs with the priorities: positive youth development, partnering to build stronger local communities, helping preserve global traditions, and connecting cultures. Fund is managed by CFWNC. HomeTrust Bank treated us with so much care, kindness & understanding during the continuing 2021 financial waves. They made people a priority. LEAF LOVE!

& Many More Sponsor Partners!

BUSINESS MEMBERS Allen Stahl + Kilbourne Irma & Arthur Miller Family Foundation Dr. Bronner’s ALL-ONE Magic Foam Experience

2021

Fox Cove Photography I Am Sound • Andrew Baxter Steve Berk • James Bird

LEAF LOVE TO 683 MEMBERS!

Calamat Farm • Owners Only Homespun Investment Realty Design Thinkers Group

Munki Food Company Masiello Real Estate Group Harmony AVL + Media • The Cantina Kunga Yoga School • John Crosland Daly & Sawyer Construction Strivven Media/VirtualJobShadow.com Charles Gwinn Sarah Hairell- Carolina One Real Estate HunterKemper Consulting • Mah Jong Enter the Earth • Kudzu Brands The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub Rachel Koch • Rose Lane LeBlanc CPA Limited Red House Architecture Advantage Civil Engineering

Membership has been the key to LEAF keeping our essential mission-driven programs thriving, and the way we enrich our connection. Membership enabled us to say to our Culture Keepers and Teaching Artists “YOU are supported. Your culture, youth and you are important. LEAF is here for YOU!"

Green River Botanicals Reaching Resolution PLLC Ethereal Leaf Anti-Fragile Physical Therapy Marie Morris & Neely Neu, Beverly-Hanks Realtors Citizen Vinyl • Doug & Darcy Orr Roots Hummus • Willow’s Dream Pete & Cindy Perez Perkins and Sons, LLC Don SUP • Asheville Pizza South Girlology | Peace-Love-Happiness Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) Burial Beer Co. • Eden Out Falcon Construction and Development Illustrated Map of Asheville Dunkin' Donuts & Citi Brands

Members in 2021 stepped back up! We started the year with 323 members and ended with 683 members. Goal is to get back to pre2020 # of 720+ members- let's do it in 2022!

Stump House Design Luster Clean • Tosco Music TSA- Transportation Safety Apparel The Horse Shoe Farm Craig Wallace Industrial Tape & Supply Laurel & Senter Equipment Co. Ritter, Zaretsky, Lieber & Jaime, LLP .

DAN LUCAS MEMORIAL FUND

Big Extra LEAF Love!

THE FABULOUS DON & ALEXANDRA CLAYTON

BEN GRADISON FAMILY

HELME CALFEE MARK & MAGGIE FOGAS

TONY COGGIOLA C3L NEEDS ASSESSMENT

2021

LEAF MEMBERS CONNECTED

Membership is LEAF's path of connection. During Covid, we created new Members Hangouts to engage and get little snipets of LEAF in your life. We gathered played, and got a bit of music and culture at Lake Eden, Sunnyside Trading and at LEAF Global Experience. The Enter The Earth family created the Global Gem Evening and their Traditional Holiday Party where activated fundraisers and enjoyed time with LEAF Members. Connection fuels life.

Members fuel LEAF! It is a joy and gift to have you as part of LEAF. -Jennifer Pickering, LEAF Executive Director

LEAF GLOBAL ARTS EXPERIENCE CULTIVATING CULTURAL CURIOSITY

LEAF GLOBAL ARTS EXPERIENCE LEAF Global is a creative immersive experience that weaves together elements of an interactive museum and an arts center. LEAF Global invites you to explore the world and our community through music & art experiences & cultural connections, fostering global citizenship and opening pathways of understanding… for kids to elders. This engaging experience is designed for “Cultivating Cultural Curiosity” while honoring the rich history. Locals and visitors enjoy educational experiences, field trips, classes, and workshops rooted in music, art, community, and culture.

In the heart of Downtown at the historic Club Del Cardo on The Block we reflect back to the ribbon cutting by Board Chair "Mama" Deborah Bryant "This was my parents' place to come to dance and gather. Now we are back." -Mama Deborah. That Valentines Day in 2020 helps so much excitement and plans. The pandemic shifted plans, yet that extraordinary moment and LEAF leap inspire us forward as we continue to build this experience.

LEAF GLOBAL ARTS EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

OUR COMMUNITY LEAF Global is a place in our community where we seek for everyone especially our youth and elders to feel welcomed. As we stepped into our 2nd year with the Pandemic still roaring, LEAF Global continued to plant seeds of culture, art, learning, and connection. We masked up for most of the year and had a brief fabulous reprieve in the summer where we finally got to feel Global fully alive with youth and artists in every nook and space dancing, creating, playing music, and sitting around connecting in this beautiful place with so much history.

"The biggest highlight for me was sitting in on one of Adama's tours. Learning the history of LEAF Global Arts and how invested this organization is about culture preservation." -JB Highlights include HACA and AVL High School SILSA Field Trips. Open Doors of AVL, Hola Carolina, Jawbreaking, and East End Valley Neighborhood Assoc. rented space in Global Offices.

LEAF Schools & Street Pages share Teaching Residencies and Summer Camp at Global.

GLOBAL EVENTS

MASKED & UNMASKED WE CELEBRATED ARTS & CULTURE Tourists Tours w/ AVL Detours & AVL Walking Tours Artists & Company in Residence: Adama Dembele & Tailor Shop, Garfield & Save Our Brass Culture Foundation, Otto Vazquez & Nu Paradigm LEAF LOVES Local Music Series Spring 2021 Día de los Muertos Exhibit, Ceremony & Salsa Show Members & VIP Events in June and August Poetry Nights (in-person + Virtual) & Spoken Word LEAF Global Reopening in June Live music on Parklet Funkin' Around w/ Garfield Juneteenth Highlights Summer Camp Showcases LEAF Laugh Comedy Night Sip & Paint Evenings Global Citizen Learning Journey w/ Chinobay September 11th Remembrance on The Block Concerts featuring: Funkin’ Around With Garfield, Rachel Waterhouse, Kevin Spears & Biko Hip Hop+Latin Dance w/ Otto Vazquez & NuParadigm UNCA Thursday Night Live Halloween Crafts Holidays w/ Global Kwanza & "Blanta" Black Santa "Parklet shows are AMAZING! The sounds of the talent are still ringing in my soul. I felt a liberation and a sense of freedom ringing out through downtown." - Jevon

C U L T U R A L P R E S GE URI DVI NAG TS IT AOT ENM E N T LEAF International is dedicated to cultural preservation, the fostering of global citizenship, and cultural exchange. LEAF International empowers communities by supporting cultural keepers and connecting youth to their traditional art forms.

What does music mean to you? "Having music means so many things to me. When I have music it’s the only thing I think about at that moment. The life here is so hard that it’s good to have music to keep my mind free & open." - Tanzania Student

Kigali, Rwanda

THE VISION- THE NEED LEAF International envisions a world where communities actively engage their youth in learning their cultural traditions while empowering them with the life skills necessary to be active agents of change in their communities. We believe in the power of music, art, and culture to empower individuals and transform lives. LEAF recognizes that these benefits are both tangible and intangible and that at times, quantifying and qualifying the impact of arts education can be elusive.

LEAF International utilizes the UN Culture for Development Indicators as a guiding framework for the development, evaluation, and monitoring of programs. Believing that cultural expressions provide a wealth of intangible benefits that are crucial for a healthy and vibrant world, LEAF aligns with the UN System Task Team for the UN Development Agenda, which asserts that "cultural expression provides communities with greater social inclusiveness and rootedness, resilience, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship for individuals and communities, and the use of local resources, skills, and knowledge.”

CULTURE KEEPERS Costa Rica: Luis Salazar, Alexis Rodriguez · Guatemala: Sara Morales · Rwanda: David Kwizera, Claude Nyandwi · Haiti: Johanne Dejean, Bwa Gris · Ivory Coast: Krimbo Delagrange · Mexico: Marco Belan · New Orleans: Chief Shaka Zulu · Panama: Jose Hayans Saint Vincent & The Grenadines: Kesslon Wilson, Akeem Hannaway · Tanzania: Fredy N'ganga, Edward Ndoleli

MEETING THE NEED AND SHIFTING TIMES IN 2021 Globally, this year has been dedicated to rebuilding + restoring the health of ourselves and our communities. To keep people engaged in learning about cultures, connect with traditions other than their own, and preserve their artforms, LEAF International artists created a Cultural Connections platform aimed at providing a virtual pathway of exchange. More than 40 videos were created for youth & community connection.

Guna Yala Panama

"We learn more about ourselves when we experience and are aware of other cultures.

That is the true purpose of global citizenship."

Schree, Global Engagement Director

ANNUAL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Rwanda ONEmic Studio is supporting more than 50 young artists to grow through music development. This studio has quickly become a hub and resource for many in the community.

Partner & Culture keepers of Proyecto Jirondai performed at the Costa Rica National Theatre for Bicentenary celebrations. This was one of the first events dedicated to culture since 2019.

Tanzania ONEmic studio collaborated with Rwanda ONEmic creating the hit single ‘LEAF Global Arts’ – a dedication to the importance of music & culture in their lives esp during covid.

LEAF International New Orleans culture keeper, Shaka Zulu, is proud to share his endeavor on the reemergence of NOLA culture with the exploration of youth stilt dance traditions and public procession. This program is supported in collaboration with Burial Beer Co. and their annual beer release. War Paint 2021– the 5th annual beer dedicated to NOLA culture.

New Culture Keeper Krimbo Delangrage of the Ivory Coast program officially joins LEAF Volcano Eruptions in 2021 led to a beautiful program pivot in Kingstown, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines. The Lodge Village Government School (where Kesslon of Saint Vincent works) was activated as an emergency shelter for the imminent eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano. The school was to house a capacity of 140 Evacuees but housed a constant figure to this date of 164 Evacuees. To bring some cheer to the sheltered, the LEAF Elite Steel Orchestra organized several events dedicated to music and sports.

“DON'T LIMIT YOUR CHALLENGES, CHALLENGE YOUR LIMITS, ESPECIALLY WITH MUSIC.” -STEPHANIE, GUATEMALA MUSIC TEACHER

Ivory Coast

TEACHING ARTIST + CULTURE KEEPER FEATURE: MEET KRIMBO

This year, students recorded themselves practicing so Meet Krimbo, whose name means "genius of the drumspeaker." He is a percussionist, dancer, painter, and artistic trainer. His professional attitude led him to several troupes in Ivory Coast and now he is a LEAF culture keeper helping teach youth the importance of West African cultural traditions. In 2006, Krimbo recruited several youth interested in their culture, and with this, he created his artistic dance company to train youth in art, dance, percussion, storytelling, singing, and painting. With this troupe, the KRIMBO Artistic Training Center (CFAK) was born because it was inspired by an expression drawn from the confines of the Akan region. Krimbo demonstrates all his talent as a percussionist and dancer in the Ivory Coast, Europe, and Asia. “Culture is important to me because the values of our culture are transmitted through tradition. Our culture refers to ways of being, acting, and thinking. Culture, in the world according to my grandfather, guides the actions of individuals and ideas. That's why it's important to retain it.” -Krimbo, Ivory Coast Culture Keeper

LEAF INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATES WITH INCREDIBLE PARTNERS INCLUDING:

BURIAL BEER CO DESIGNS WITH CHIEF SHAKA ZULU TO SUPPORT INDIANS MAKING THEIR SUIT S14,500 RAISED IN 2021. CHEERS!

PROGRAM+PARTNER COLLABORATION FOR CULTURE: “New Orleans is another country and it is critical at this point in history for this rich tradition to be passed forward from the culture keepers to the youth.” -Shaka Zulu, Culture Keeper LEAF International New Orleans is proud to share its endeavor on the reemergence of NOLA culture including the exploration of youth stilt dance traditions and public procession. This program is supported in collaboration with our fabulous partners Burial Beer Co. and their 5th annual beer release. War Paint, an Indian Pale Ale was created to honor the prettiest champion of the battle, the masked walkers of the night, the keepers of the beats, and the feathered dancers of Super Sunday.

TAKING GREAT CARE DURING DISASTER Volcano Eruptions in 2021 led to a beautiful program pivot in Kingstown, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines. The Lodge Village Government School (where Kesslon of Saint Vincent works) was activated as an emergency shelter for the imminent eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano. The school was to house a capacity of 140 Evacuees but housed a constant figure to this date of 164 Evacuees. To bring some cheer to the sheltered, the LEAF Elite Steel Orchestra organized several events dedicated to music and sports.

EMPOWERING YOUTH GUIDING STATEMENT LEAF Schools & Streets creates CULTURAL ARTS EDUCATION programs that use the arts to bridge cultures and create life-affirming, communitybuilding experiences - empowering LOCAL youth to become GLOBAL CITIZENS, young artistic LEADERS & agents of POSITIVE CHANGE.

TEACHING ARTISTS 2021

Lesson plans, curriculum, and evaluation align with the Search Institute's Developmental Assets Profile to strengthen youth healthy development and success in schools, youth programs, and communities. LEAF programs focus on these Assets: 1. Community values youth 2. Adult Role Models 3. Cultural Competence 4. Creative Activities 5. Personal Power 6. Self-Esteem

Adama Dembele - West African Drumming+Culture Otto "Aquaboogy" Vazquez - Hip Hop Dance Melissa McKinney - Advocacy thru Music Kayla Lynn McKinney - Songwriting & Strings Agustin Frederic Ramos - World Percussion Melvin AC Howell - Dance, Global Classroom Garfield Bogan - NOLA Save our Brass Culture Irvegg Romero-Gallegos - Mexican Hip Hop Marci Bernstein - Collage, photo, paint, encaustics Lisa Smith - Stop Motion Animation, Live Action Movie Making, Global Creative Writing LISA SMITH, RESIDENT TEACHING ARTIST LIVE-ACTION MOVIE M N G VAAT Z BQU UR ET O Y I CNE G N T EARR T I S T H O P H O P OATKTI O Z ,N RS TE RS EI EDT E CNOTM MT UE NA I CT H "25 kids in 6 groups are collaboratively planning, directing, acting in and shooting their own movies! They have and storyboarded, painted and designed costumes.

More importantly, “LEAF brainstormed Schools & Streets is an organization that is partsets of the lifeblood of the Asheville community.

The work we we have do with these programs, these centers, is as essential in our city.

As teaching artists, we just don’t teach the arts, music or worked together to adapt, create and learn, all while having fun! Working with young children to make percussion We become models in a world lacking and heavily of role models.

Weend, are big brothers and sisters,with to little movies, foretc. more than a role decade, is both rewarding challenging.

In the I am always thrilled the souls in need of someone to look up to. In my work, I have seen the seeds of my teachings stay with my students until deeper learning that comes through collaboration and problem-solving, with the focus of a definitive digital adulthood. I always said art, music and dance can heal a community. But more importantly, it’s the heart of the teacher product.

Both movie making and collaboration are such valuable lifelong skills that I have had the repeated and mentor that truly saves lives and I am fortunate enough to work with a group of good hearts and we all work together gift of seeing young develop use to them thrive." to heal and inspire thispeople community.

So, to and me, LEAF canhelp be summed up in a -Lisa word: vital!”

RESIDENT TEACHING ARTISTS We believe it's always National Arts in Education Week! LEAF Global Arts would like to honor our Resident Teaching Artists who work with us year-round, bringing the arts to the youth in our surrounding communities through our LEAF Schools & Streets program. Since its conception in 2004, LEAF Schools & Streets has operated to provide exceptional and authentic cultural arts education in Western North Carolina through the dedication of local and international teaching artists. Over the years, the roster of teaching artists has grown and diversified in an effort to continuously support the changing needs of cultural arts programming in the most high-need communities. LEAF is proud to continue supporting these artists and our community's quest for satisfying cultural curiosity by making their programs available OTTO VAZQUEZ, RESIDENT TEACHING ARTIST HOP HOP year-round for residency, workshop, and performance opportunities to anybody and everybody! These artists have been carefully selected forthat their highoflevel of expertise, passion community. for teaching, “LEAF Schools & Streets is an organization is part the lifeblood of the Asheville Theand workauthentic we do with connection to the cultural form they represent creativity and self-expression these programs, these centers,art is as essential in our city. to As ignite teaching artists, we justinspire don’t teach the arts, musicinorpeople percussion etc.LEAF We become role to models a world lackingartists heavilyboth of role models.

We are big and sisters,to to little of all ages. would like thankin our teaching past and present forbrothers their dedication souls in need of someone to look up to.

In my work, I have seen the seeds of my teachings stay with my students until global arts education. Current LEAF Resident Teaching Artist Superstars in the performing arts include adulthood. I always said art, music and dance can heal a community. But more importantly, it’s the heart of the teacher Adama Dembele, Otto "Aquaboogy" Vazquez, Agustin Frederic, Melissa McKinney, Kayla Lynn McKinney, and mentor that truly saves lives and I am fortunate enough to work with a group of good hearts and we all work together "King Garfield" Bogan, Lisa Smith, Marci Bernstein, Melvin A. C. Howell, and Irvegg Romero-Gallegos. to heal and inspire this community. So, to me, LEAF can be summed up in a word: vital!”

RESIDENCY QUOTE

VISITING TEACHING ARTISTS RESIDENCIES BACK IN PERSON! Summer Camp at LEAF Global esp. The last week with Otto Vazquez Dance Camp, Songwriting, Garfield with Save our Brass Culture, and all coming together.

Field Trips at LEAF Global esp with HACA and AVL High School Residencies in Schools - Doctor Nativo, Adama Dembeleat Hominy Valley Community High School with Masankho, Cactus & Debrissa

LEAF GLOBAL CWA STARS CLASSROOM In partnership with Christine Avery Learning center (CWA) Stars continued to address the community need of supporting underresourced, youth needing academic and enrichment support throughout the 2020-2021 school year to fill a gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Global Classroom was an immersive, creative learning setting that enabled students to connect to the world within the historic African American location on “The Block.” Appreciation to an extraordinary Donor and the Community Foundation of Western NC for supporting this vital initiative that brought light and learning during covid. In 2021, the youth and staff were thrilled to get to Spring Break to Atlanta for learning and some much-needed fun as well.

THE KENNEDY CENTER PARTNERS IN ARTS EDUCATION LEAF GLOBAL ARTS + BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS (BCS)

TEACHER DABBLES FEATURE What's a dabble? Creative Professional Development for the teachers! One-hour educational experiences have given the BCS teachers more confidence and practice in the various art forms, therefore giving them more successful experiences in arts integration.

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION[PIE] The Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education program facilitates educational partnerships between arts organizations around the nation and their local school systems. Representatives from these organizations work together to establish or expand professional learning in the arts for teachers. Since 2018, LEAF has been part of the Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education program with Buncombe County Schools. We began with a cohort of 17 teachers, and in 2020-2021 we more than doubled our numbers to a cohort of 36. It is robust and inspiring!

We are grateful to have the opportunity to bring global arts into the schools through this arts integration initiative. In 2021, the PIE teachers focused study was "Culturally Sensitive Art Education in a Global World". The teachers have expanded their worldview and expressed gratitude for a safe space to have conversations as they learn. A highlight for our learning this year was The Kennedy Center Annual Conference which focused on racial equity with keynote Speaker Bettina Love and special presenter Alysia Lee of Sister Cities Girlchoir.

PARTNERING FOR OUR YOUTH

2021 Dabbles included: World Music w/ Agustin West African drumming & Culture with Adama Art with weaving, poetry+ Music w/ Melissa & Kayla Lynn McKinney Art w/ Tarah Singh Theatre lesson with Marci Bernstein Hip Hop Dance lesson Melvin AC Howell NOLA Culture w/ Garfield Bogan Collaboration w/ AVL Art Museum with exhibits “A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary+ Contemporary Art

Leaders: Laura Mitchell BCS Arts Education Specialist+ Erinn Hartley, LEAF Education Director

SUMMER CAMP ALIVE AT GLOBAL! WIT A SUPER TEAM OF TEACHING ARTISTS& AWESOME KIDS! Seeing LEAF Global come alive with summer camp kids and artists felt like the moment we’ve all been waiting for over the past few years. So much learning with happiness!

Summer: 86 kids, 21 classes, 9 Teaching Artists over the 3 Weeks!

Classes included visual art, hip hop dance, global music, instrument petting zoo, puppetry, songwriting, visual art, NOLA music/brass, African Drumming, theatre, breakdance, and hip hop dance. Teaching Artists: Tarah, Edwin, Otto, Melvin, Garfield, Agustin, Kayla, Melissa, Irvegg

Summer Developmental Assets: (avg 89%) 92% of students reported that they learned about other cultures, an increased in personal power, and felt more valued by their community 84% of students reported they gained new self-esteem & a new adult role model

FEATURE: GLOBAL CITIZEN SONGWRITING WITH MOM & DAUGHTER DUO & THE BAND KEEPS GOING! "The kids exceeded our expectations with their musical abilities and with their kindness and empathy for others. They really stepped up during their performance to show their new skills and I believe each of them left feeling empowered and with a desire to play and perform more often in the future. I believe we instilled in them the importance of using their music to make a difference in the world".

In July, LEAF Global Arts came alive with a Global Citizen Songwriting Camp. The camp was led by Resident Teaching Artist mother-and-daughter-duo, Melissa and Kayla Lynn McKinney.

Students worked in-depth to write and arrange original music that had an uplifting message, highlighting the beauty in a diverse world and the importance of standing up for one another. In addition to writing music, students were able to explore music and culture from other parts of the world, including West African Drumming and Dance led by Master Resident Teaching Artist Adama Dembele, and Second Line music and dance out of New Orleans led by new Resident Teaching Artist King Garfield Bogan. Each student also explored instruments they had never played before. "I loved how every student wanted to try something new and try more than one thing. It was pretty amazing," said Kayla. "The Songwriting Camp at LEAF Global was incredibly inspiring for myself and for my daughter. It has been quite some time since we had the opportunity to create a band from scratch and write music with a positive and uplifting message and it felt like being home." ~Melissa **the camp band has stayed together & plays on!**

LEAF SCHOOLS & STREETS EASEL RIDER ART LAB + ULEAF MOBILE STAGE

EASEL RIDER

ULEAF MOBILE STAGE

WHY THE NEED: Easel Rider and ULEAF recognize the power of cultural arts as a vessel for community building by strengthening intergenerational and cross-cultural relationships, empowering individuals, and strengthening leadership from the local community outward.

ULEAF - Unfolding LEAF fosters pathways of access, inclusivity, and community-building through collaborative events in neighborhoods, community centers, public parks, and even private functions. The ULEAF unfolding highlights this year were at Juneteenth in MLK Park, several community outdoor events in Black Mountain, and at LEAF events with a stunning Las Cafeteras performance. The ULEAF is a great tool to create social distance performances and is flexible to meet the needs of the times.

In 2021 Easel Rider started off with a slow roll. With new covid variants and the unknown, we were cautious and respectful of our community's needs. With health and safety in mind. We began our after-school activities with our long-term partner the Christine Avery Center. We participated in bringing our cultural arts and crafts to holiday events and outdoor celebrations. We are excited to see where Easel Rider will be showing next in this upcoming year.

This craft sparked a conversation about culture.

“This is the best day! I love you guys for coming here.”

“Happy, happy!!! This makes me smile.”

“Are you coming back next week? I love when you guys are here with us”. “This is just like sewing! My grandma does that, I can show her I can do it now too.”

I would have never thought you could do this!! This is so much fun. I love when you Easel Rider is here!”

“My mom is going to be so proud of this! She put the last thing we made here on the fridge. “

AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY RENTALS & EVENTS EASELRIDER@THELEAF.ORG

LEAF VALUES EQUITY LEAF EQUITY GUIDING PRINCIPLES LEAF Values Equity. Moving beyond being inviting and inclusive to creating an equitable organization for anyone to bring their culture and values and engage in truly mutual relationships. Giving space and opportunities for various communities to express their VOICES in their ways. At LEAF we seek to include people from a vast array of neighborhoods including those not very “seen”, and ensure that these communities are able to use their gifts and values in meaningful ways. Striving towards being equitable is a journey and one that we will continue to be aware of and openly learn and seek understanding. In this path, we seek the outcome of when an organization is truly equitable together there can be a transformation of the organization, the work, and the communities with openness.

Different groups share power and shape the culture, leadership, and results.

LEAF Equity Guiding Principles 1. Eliminating inequities begins with us.

2. Treating everyone with dignity, respect, and non-judgment.

3. ***All LEAF ambassadors (staff, board, teaching artists, team leaders, partners, etc..) are represented in the communities we serve across the organization.

4. LEAF examines systems within the organization to ensure equitable learning and participation.

5. Policies, procedures, and funding are aligned with LEAF’s core values & mission.

To see our full statement and principles visit:theLEAF.org/global-arts-resources. This document was created by Board and Staff in 2019. The process was led by Dr. Eric "Big E" Howard and Marsha Almodovar. LEAF has been on an intentional Equity Learning Journey since 2015. It is a life-long dedicated journey.

LEARNING + EQUITY JOURNEYS LEAF leadership is dedicated to continual learning to expand our worldview and share perspectives that are vital to our growth. The topics correlate with national equitable dialogue and LEAF’s internal mission-driven values. In 2021, Global Citizenship with Chinobay of Uganda, Crucial Conversations with SBTDC Coach Chris Slaughter, Racial Equity with Alexandria Ravenel & David Greenson were three Learning Journey highlights that expanded our views, tools and challenged us each in our paths.

LEAF SIGNATURE EVENTS 2021 LEAF RETREAT | MAY 13-16 NEA+SOUTH ARTS SUPPORT WAS KEY TO 2021 EVENTS+ PROJECTS LEAF Retreat is our pivot to a small restorative SAFE gathering with just 1000 LEAFers. The Retreat takes us back to our roots with a sense of community and cultural curiosity across generations. Retreat 2021 focused on engaging renowned Latinx artists in sharing their cultural traditions supporting cultural preservation, understanding the importance of diversity, and ensuring our community at large does not overlook the indispensable role Latinx immigrants & community members play in reviving and maintaining the health of our communities. 2021 LatinX Artists Presentations were supported in part by NEA and South Arts.

"Our smiles of ours were worn the ENTIRE time at the Retreat, which might have been called a Release, for all the weight, worries, trauma, loneliness, and other Covid-related challenges that the gathering lifted from us. LEAF is truly a miracle worker; I cannot express enough my gratitude for yet another unforgettable experience of a lifetime for all of us. I am in awe of how LEAF can harness the power of love and life." Besty L.

LEAF SIGNATURE EVENTS 2020 LEAF DOWNTOWN AVL | AUGUST 27-28 Safely In Person + Virtual

In 2020, LEAF Planted Seeds fo

GRATITUDE! AVL AREA ARTS COUNCIL LIVE! SERIES KEPT OUR SPIRITS GOING We MASKED UP at LEAF DOWNTOWN to keep the MUSIC & ART flowing for the FREE two-day event LEAF creates in the heart of Asheville at Pack Square Park.

LEAF Downtown 2021 theme was “Concrete Love” a phrase and a notion that has pushed us forward into this joyous resurgence of music, dance, and community; bringing the music back to AVL's park and reigniting the spirit of rebuilding. Our diverse lineup included: Newcleus, known for hits like “Jam on It” and “Computer Age.” Grandmaster Caz – a legendary rapper stapled into Hip Hop history. Caz performed a couple of songs with Cactus of The Secret Agency with 23 Skidoo. The Young Pinstripe Brass Band comes up from NOLA to join our new AVL musician King Garfield. LEAF favorites and local giants took the stage like: West Sound, Free Planet Radio, Billy Jonas, DJ Bowie, Kinobe of Uganda, The Kalimba Man Kevin Spears, DJ Brett Rock, and many, other amazing acts and presentations.

Why? LEAF Downtown connects our local communities and cultures while celebrating creativity and diversity in the heart of downtown Asheville! This special event works to further the city’s goals of equity, partnerships, and economic vitality in the greater Asheville area. The priority audience is our local families and friends of all ages & all neighborhoods coming together in a way that builds positive connections and allows locals to feel that downtown is theirs. LEAF’s vision to create a thriving global community starts right here in our own backyard. These free, public events are a labor of love and service. Thank you all for working together and supporting each other as we all navigate these challenging unique ever-changing moments.

We remember and honor Eliot Wadopian, a world-class grammy-winning bass player, who had played LEAF very generously for 25 years. LEAF Downtown AVL was one of his last concerts. He will be missed. He and his music was a gift!

LEAF SIGNATURE EVENTS 2020 FEATURED GLOBAL ARTISTS RECOGNITION

Luis Porras Mora Proyecto Jirondai | Costa Rica

Trek 6 Miami-AVL

Patrick Ntare LEAF International Rwanda | Rwanda

Luis Porras Mora's work with Proyecto Jirondai is dedicated to protecting culture of indigenous communities whose future is under threat, wisdom, future cultural diversity, as well as ecological biodiversity – because, Luis explains, they are one and the same. He does so through music, recordings, collaborations and art.

Together for Retreat art we chose the Sloth Story: Kú: oso perezoso Kona: pájaro campana en idioma Ngäbere Kú "On days like centuries, Kú supports the structures of the world slowly and steady so that Kona can tie them with vines." Ku: Sloth, Kona: Bellbird in Ngäbere language From Proyecto Jirondai's Lugare de Memoria #endangeredcultures #costarica

Trek 6, Famous Miami Artist now living locally, created Downtown poster: 'I had the opportunity to work with an AVL nonprofit that’s been hosting some great community events for the last few years.

The theme was “Concrete Love.” The main characters are a father and son. I felt that any passion that is passed thru generations has an amazing power, not to mention the dedication practicing a craft all your life (Concrete Love). The stone work and cornucopia are a reference to James Vester Miller, an African American local leader, stone worker and mason that helped design and build the buildings on the Block in downtown Asheville, including creating the cornucopia arc of the original Garden Market entrance. As for the speakers, bands, that’s just funk!"

This poster was created by the Rwanda Jr Troupe coordinator, Patrick Ntare. He is a fabulous young drummer & talented in design.

Animals, especially birds, signify many layers of culture and tradition. Native American: Bird symbols are believed to represent the physical form of a spirit helper and guide. African culture: Birds are bringers of fertility and messages.

Western culture: Birds symbolize peace.

First Nation culture: Birds played a very important role in their lives by providing food and clothing, spiritual guidance, instrument influence and much more.

This bird above symbolizes the power and influence of global citizenship.

OTTO VAZQUEZ | ARTISTIC CURATOR / MASTER TEACHING ARTIST "Stepping into the role of Artistic Curator in 2021 was a smorgasbord of emotions at first, because the position was so new to me. And because I take my job so serious, I set the bar high for myself. But as I have gained more knowledge of the unique opportunity I have been blessed with, I have gained confidence in my ability to allow my creativity to flourish in this new role, while working alongside and incorporating the ideas of others in our team. And I look forward to learning and evolving my knowledge of my position and role as Artistic Curator." -Otto

LEAF SIGNATURE EVENTS 2021 LEAF FESTIVAL 49.5TH| OCTOBER 14-17 Safely In Person

24 COUNTRIES! 3300 LEAFERS 1ST ETHNO USA

+ Virtual

“I have been covering festivals for 20+ years.

You have something very special here at LEAF. The authenticity, culture, and traditions are exceptional. I see LEAF!” Marcus K. Dowling, Billboard Magazine LEAF Festival 49.5th was extraordinary and fulfilled MISSION, vision, and connections at one of the ‘Best LEAFs Ever!” The Global Citizen theme guided our path. As people from different geographical locations, we so often have been separated by borders and countries, that we forget that we are part of a much larger family...humanity! LEAF is and really felt like our passport to experience rich cultural music and traditions. We have reminded us of our glorious diversity, but with the purpose of bringing us closer together. From stellar acts like Tito Puente Jr. and Las Cafeteras to the world orchestra of Ethno Camp having its 1st Ethno USA at LEAF. This fall, artists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh & Jordan presented at LEAF, which bring it to 106 countries have now been featured at LEAF!

GRATITUDE TO THE LEADERS OF LEAF THEY WALK THIS JOURNEY WITH GENEROSITY & DEDICATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020

BOARD EMERITUS

President: Pete Roe Chair: Justice Rogers Chair Emeritus: Deborah Bryant Whip: Neely Neu Secretary: Jay Moye Treasurer: Jim Diaz President Emeritus: Barbara Benisch David Dowd Kerri Hampton Dr. “Big E” Howard Matthew Pride Clare Schwartz Ford Willis Noah Wilson Lisa Zahiya Mike Zinsmeister

Derek Allen • Carol Antman Joanne Badr-Morgan Jen Beasley • Ivi Bilich Gary Broome Tracy Massiello Brown Cleaster Cotton • Naima Dido Christine DiBenedetto Bill Feste • James Fisher Vanessa Guerrero Tommy George River Guerguerian Kelly Hanson • Elbert Hargrave Elizabeth Hunter • Jill Jones Holt Moore • Cliff Hotchkiss Jim Magill • Sarah Nie Doug Orr • Anthony Thomas Reggie Tidwell • Robert Todd Jody Whitehurst • Steve Wilmans

LEAF Schools & Streets Adama Teaching Jamz

COMPASS ADVISORS GRATITUDE for these brilliant creatives who have been there to encourage and advise LEAF to stay on our true north path: Judith Ann Abrams, NY, NY, Broadway Producer • Alexandra & Don Clayton, Asheville, NC + St. Maarten Business Entrepreneur • Bootsy & Pepperminte Patti Collins, Ohio, Masters of FUNK! • Charles Gwinn, NC, International Consultant • Darrell Rose, Charlottesville VA, West African Drum Master • Derek Andrews, Toronto, Canada, World Music Advocate • Gene Bell, Asheville, NC, AVL Housing Authority • Georgia Beasley, Peru, International Development • James Nave, New Mexico, Poet • Kinobe, Uganda • Kiran Singh, Jonesboro, TN Storytelling Festival • Masankho Banda, Malawi, International Peace Builder • Natalia Clavier, NY, NY, Thievery Corporation • Tom Pryor, NY, NY, World Music Journalist • Greg Lucas, New Orleans, Preservation Hall & Music Visionary • Leah Song, Global Artist & Activist • Jordan Robbins, Jane Goodall Institute-No Barriers & LEAF • David LaMotte, Musician & "World Changing" Author

NAVIGATOR & AVIATOR STAFF 2021 JENNIFER PICKERING, JUSTICE ROGERS, SCHREE G. CHAVDAROV, LEIGH MAHER, CHELCIE SPENCER, ERINN HARTLEY HEATHER DEIFELL, KRISTAL WOODS, OTTO VAZQUEZ ALEXA KINCAID, JEVON BOGAN, MARSHA ALMODOVAR WELCOME TEAM ANGELA CLEMMONS & KELSEY LONG MADISON LINK, MICHELLE TROSZAK & INTERNS!

LEAF is a nonprofit 501c3 organization on a mission: Connecting cultures & creating community through music, arts education, preservation & experiences.

LEAF Love since 1995 Black Mountain | Asheville Haiti | Tanzania | Rwanda | Guatemala | Costa Rica | Nola St.Vincent & The Grenadines | Panama | Mexico | Ivory Coast 1st Ethno USA happened at LEAF!

LEAF LOVE & GRATITUDE AS WE SING TOGETHER AS GLOBAL CITIZENS theLEAF.org 828.68-MUSIC 19 Eagle Street, Suite 120, Asheville NC 28801

SINCE 1995 BLACK MOUNTAIN | ASHEVILLE HAITI | TANZANIA | RWANDA | GUATEMALA | COSTA RICA | NOLA | ST.VINCENT & THE GRENADINES | PANAMA | MEXICO | IVORY COAST