Introduce Aceh to America

With The Teens at 3D Studio AFH

Working in Artists for Humanity became an unforgettable experience for me, being able to work in a company that has a concept that has been my dream all along. Artists for Humanity is a creative company located in Boston, Massacussets, United States.

This social company started in 1991 when Susan Rodgerson as Founder and Artistic Director met with youngsters in schools who have skills in the arts, especially painting. But they are not yet convinced of their ability to become one of the future careers.

Susan invites them, especially Rob Gibbs and Jason Talbot who are 14 and 15 years old to make the project together and produce. In the end they form the Artists for Humanity to accommodate, give the same place and opportunity for young people who have the same conditions with them.

Until now Artists for Humanity invites young people to work with mentors to create creative works to solve problems that exist in the environment and also meet client demand. Combining creative processes for social change and also helping to change lives financially for young people.

25 Years already, nearly 3,000 young people have already worked and reach up to 12,000 young people in arts and entrepreneurship activities. All come from schools in Boston, from different skin types, sex and various languages.

Every Tuesday through Thursday, young people, especially school children, once school starts from three to six o'clock, they can intern at Artists for Humanity. They make artwork, such as painting, collage, 3D, graphic design, video, and photos.

Later their work will be sold or rented to companies in need of art, and young people whose work is bought or rent will earn commissions. During the apprenticeship they will be accompanied by mentors, learning to produce works that have a decent quality to sell. Interestingly, the mentor here does not give instructions or orders, but invites young people to discuss and think scientifically, because the technique used STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

In the process, Artists for Humanity not only helps financially young people in Boston, but also motivates them to solve their educational problems. Many are ultimately motivated to complete their education and move on to a higher level with positive motivation.

There are approximately 40 full-time workers in Artist for Humanity, from director, mentor, finance, management and development, 3D mentor, painting mentor, graphic design mentor, photography mentor and animation mentor. Everything is gathered with the power of dreams of a Susan. She said, "do something positive for others and pass it on, and magic will come."

In addition to studying, I have the opportunity to teach young people who are apprenticing in 3D Studio to get to know Aceh and Indonesia through Creative Class that I usually do with The Leader friends. We make Piyohtoys with kokoru paper material that I brought from Indonesia.

Susan see the Piyohtoys

They learn how to create personal characters with paper materials and get to know Indonesia through the characters I create. And it turns out the work we make makes us know Indonesia and America closer. And interestingly, Susan, Director of Artists for Humanity and Rich Mark, Marketing Director is interested in the concept and is waiting for the sale of the product to the international network.

And this becomes our next homework, can we accept this challenge?

* Program Participants The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Economic Empowerment Fall 2017 represents Indonesia.