For information on advertising, contact info@huntingtonarts.org | 631-271-8423 | SPRING 2024 Arts Cultural Magazine | 11 Long Island Grants for the Arts 2024 Individual Artist Grant Awardee Spotlight HAC is proud to introduce Adriana Devers a 2024 NYSCA Individual Artist Grant recipient and longtime cultural partner. Adriana, Founder of Cuentos de Triadas INC., Author/Educator/Creative, has been funded for her project “Bearing in Mind - poems and vignettes of an Afro-Latina on Long Island, demystifying existence". HAC is the fiscal sponsor for the NYSCA Grant received by Adriana. This grant is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. This is the first of three consecutive articles sharing Adriana’s story that will be featured in our magazine. Adriana is an Award-winning Author, Poet, Educator, Cultural Programmer who is deeply committed to serving her community and creating immersive, culturally enriching experiences for all ages. As the Founder of Cuentos de Triadas INC. she utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to provide unique and engaging cultural programs that address the needs of underrepresented youth. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, her cultural heritage and pride of her AfroCaribbean ancestry serves as inspiration for many of her literary pieces. Her love for the arts and dedication to community involvement nourishes safe spaces, encouraging community support, and promoting a deep appreciation for our cultural heritage. Adriana’s project "Bearing in Mind - poems and vignettes of an Afro-Latina on Long Island, demystifying existence" is a collection that will explore her experiences, thoughts and reflections, intertwining childhood memories and present life. Drawing from these experiences growing up in the Dominican Republic, to her search of belonging on Long Island, the work will explore the intersections of cultural heritage, identity and the journey of navigating between two worlds. This literary collection will present self-exploration and growth, as well as a personal observation of Long Island communities, the disparity of our society, racism and other social issues we still face from a personal AfroLatinx perspective. The development of the work for 2024 will be a showcase/performance of the bilingual literary composition highlighting the artist’s AfroCaribbean roots, Taino heritage, and the ways in which cultures intertwine and help create our very own space and existence. Through this project Adriana will bring a relatable work of art for other voices like hers to feel safe, heard and appreciated. Verses with purpose beyond the aesthetic, rooted in being bicultural, bilingual, AfroLatina. Mujer, candid and unapologetic. During the month of January, Adriana focused on the planning phase, creating a writer’s map. In February, an initial poetry reading/community exchange at Westbury Memorial Public Library took place. In March, Women’s History Month, a performance will also take place. For more information on Adriana’s work go to her Creative Space https://beacons.ai/adrianadevers Grants for the Arts cont’d on pg 12
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