Invisible Art is a new vibrant program at Ka Joog Nonprofit. The invisible art consists of poets and writers that will read, sing, perform and respond to each others creative pieces. It is also to inspire each other, criticize each other constructively, and help those who want to be heard move the world. This includes publications, poetry readings, and poetry slams, story telling and music – Anything we are willing to share, as long as we let it pour out of our hearts and souls in regards to the world.

When: Every other Thursday starting

Next session: May 17, 2012

Where: Ka Joog Office, located at2526 East Franklin Ave,Minneapolis,MN55406

Time: Please join us at 6:00 PM for refreshments, followed by the session.

Upcoming special Invisible Art sessions in conjunction with theCedarCulturalArtCenter. The following sessions will include a live band performance which will be held at theCedarCulturalCenterlocated at416 Cedar AveS. Minneapolis,MN55454.

Thursday, June 21: “The Ultimate Poem Workshop” with Charlie Parr

Thursday, June 28: “Paradise of Strangers Workshop” with Evie Ladin (banjo/body music)

Thursday, July 5: “Another’s Story Workshop” with Mandolin Orange (folk/pop/bluegrass)

FANKA (the arts) is a new vibrant program at Ka Joog Nonprofit which started March 2012. Ka Joog will partner with The Cedar Cultural Center, and organizations in the Somali community to engage local, national, and international Somali artists to create, teach, present, and document the Somali oral traditions of poetry, storytelling, and music. The vision of this program, titled FANKA (the arts in Somali), is to empower the Somalis living in Minnesota by providing resources, tools, and space to practice, teach, present, and document our traditional oral art forms; to increase intercultural understanding by sharing these art forms with non-Somali communities; and to improve quality of life for Somali youth by engaging them with positive activities that simultaneously connect them with their culture. FANKA consists of three series of eight weekly workshops led by recognized Somali artists in poetry, storytelling, and music, each which will culminate in a public presentation. The project will document these art forms digitally and translate the poems and stories for the non-Somali audience. Ka Joog is local, Somali arts and education organization which aims to motivate and empower Somali youth to attain a higher education, realize their potential, and achieve their dreams through the Somali oral traditions of art. The program also dovetails with the core of The Cedar Cultural Center’s mission to promote intercultural appreciation and understanding.

The event on March 19 included:

• Distinguished speakers and invited guests
• Drama:  Ka Joog Players presented a marvelous play called “Dangerous but Disarmed” which tributes our theme of the night and the social issues that are affecting our community.
• Culture Dances: A showcase of Somali traditional dances that exemplify our rich culture
• “Fadhi kudir” is an organized debate: Well-educated college students debate about various topics which complements our theme of the night, written and prepared by Ka Joog Board Members. Tonight’s topic was Somalia and Somalis: The History of Somalia and Somalis and what we can improve on. How have Somalis contributed to MN? How can we make an impact and provide more great opportunities for the next generation?
• Poetry: To platform and celebrate our rich oral tradition, after all, we are known as the nation of poets. Therefore, it is our responsibility and our duty to continue this extraordinary tradition through literature.
• Music: The event introduced emerging artists and highlighted local favorites.