All That You Change, Changes You
“All that you changes, changes you”
Hi everyone,
A recent article in the New York Times details how Maine is struggling to support young people at risk of system involvement. It’s a crisis of leadership, resources, and imagination. We do have the power to change this reality and in doing so, change ourselves and our communities. Maine Inside Out’s work in youth leadership, creative arts, and community engagement is a vital part of this change and we are honored to work alongside incredible organizations in Maine. There are many ways to build resources that truly support young people and their families; and we invite you to be a deeper part of our collective efforts and change-making community.
On that note, we are excited to share with you about MIO’s projects and events for this Spring - we have a lot going on and hope for you to join us! Here are the highlights:
The Lewiston Community Group is planning an art for social change festival in Lewiston this Spring - read on for more information.
MIO is collaborating with Toshi Reagon, Liza Jessie Peterson, Maine Humanities Council, and Bowdoin College on the Parable Path Maine series. See below for a full list of Parable Path events, including an MIO Open Mic on March 27!
MIO artists at King Middle School in Portland are beginning to create two new original plays that will premiere on May 13 and 15 at 5pm. Save the date for these powerful performances.
MIO artists at Mountain View Correctional Facility will begin work on a new play in March to debut on Friday, June 7 at the facility. This performance is open to the public and we invite you to attend and engage in this opportunity for important community dialogue. This film offers an inside look into our play making workshops and performances inside schools and prisons.
MIO’s team of theater facilitators continue to offer workshops to groups of youth and adults across the state - most recently with the Community Council at Casco Bay High School. If you are interested in experiencing how we use theater as a tool for social change, you can find out about the workshops here.
Lewiston Community Group meeting in February to begin festival planning
MIO performance at Mountain View Correctional Center in 2023
MIO Family Night at King Middle School this February
The MIO team meeting at our community site in Lewiston
Lewiston Arts Festival!
MIO Kennedy Park Block Party in June, 2019
Since 2018, MIO has been hosting block parties in Lewiston. This year we are kicking it up a notch with a festival! The festival will include a mural, parade, original performances, food, and more. This project is a collaboration with the City of Lewiston supported by grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Program.
We are in the early stages of planning for the festival and are excited to share soon about how to get involved. If you are inspired or interested to collaborate - please reach out. And be sure to join us for our first Lewiston Open Mic at 5:30pm on March 27 at L/A Arts!
Parable Path Maine
This exciting and informative series brings together local, national, and internationally renowned artist, activists, and scholars for a deep reflection on the impact of carcerality on our social well-being. Learning and sharing through theater, music, film, poetry, and dialogue the community can parse the many ways ideologies and technologies of containment impact our mental, spiritual, and physical well-being and how we can envision and realize liberatory futures. Check out the Parable Path Maine website for more information!
March 4 & 5 at Bowdoin College Brunswick, ME
Teach-in on carcerality with leading scholars and activists
March 27 5:30pm at L/A Arts @ 168 Lisbon St Lewiston, ME
Maine Inside Out Open Mic featuring original performances of poetry, music, and more! Open spots for community members to sign up and perform. MIO’s Open Mics in Lewiston this year are funded by the National Endowment for the Arts to support art for healing after the devastating mass shooting.
March 28 7:00pm at Pickard Theater Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME
Film, music, poetry, discussion with Toshi Reagon, Liza Jessie Peterson, and Joseph Jackson
March 29 7:00pm at Mechanic's Hall, Portland, ME
Film, music, poetry, discussion with Toshi Reagon, Liza Jessie Peterson, and Stacy Perez
April 10 at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME
Interactive workshop for Bowdoin students led by MIO artists and facilitators on how to use theater as a tool for community dialogue and social change.
Events co-sponsored by Maine Humanities Council and Bowdoin College in collaboration with Maine Inside Out and Mechanics’ Hall.
Support Theater and Art for Social Change / Make a Gift to MIO
Maine Inside Out is part of a movement to build a world of courage, trust, and connection that attends to the systemic roots of harm. A world where everyone matters and belongs.
Your gifts support young MIO artists creating powerful original theater and art in schools, in prisons, and in the community.