The Griot Youth Program is an after school arts program for teens in the Clarksdale area. During the year, 25 students participate in tutoring, community service projects, and discussions about how they can “be the change in the community” as well as attend excellent arts classes including dance, music, theatre and visual arts.
Each summer, Griot expands its program to include any interested teens in the community in a week-long summer arts camp held at Seven Chimneys Farm. Seven Chimneys has partnered with the Griot Youth Program since 2012 to bring the arts to over 100 youth in the Coahoma County region. Seven Chimneys’ location and layout is perfect for 50 teens to spread out over the property and be inspired by the rural landscape surrounding them. Students choose classes to attend throughout the week and participate in a performance and art show on the last day to showcase the skills they have learned during the week. The highlight to most students is the pool party that comes after the show on Seven Chimneys beautiful property. The art camp gives many students their first opportunity to have a hands-on experience with the arts and, for many, is the beginning of a life long love for music, dance, theater, and visual arts.