VC Bynum Arts and Education

VCBynum Arts & Education 
INSPIRED BY HUMANITY. EMPOWERED THROUGH ART. 
Through music, dance, poetry, and performances, we uplift the voices of all artists.

💖 PLEASE JOIN US FOR GiveBIG 2024 AS WE INSPIRE GENERATIONS OF ARTISTS 💖

VCBynum Arts & Education enriches the arts community through engaging performances and educational classes, primarily in Bellevue, WA. The We Inspire Humanity Program was born from a deep-rooted desire to foster equity. Initially ignited by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and exacerbated by the global pandemic (Covid-19), our program addresses the intersection of culture and community, highlights the importance of Black Culture in Arts, and allows our passion for the arts to be a vehicle for healing, support, and empowerment.

At VCBynum Arts & Education, we offer teaching opportunities for dancers (performers) of color as well as a chance for Black and Brown students to take classes and see performances with people who look like them. We pride ourselves on providing competitive wages for our team while keeping the classes affordable. This balance works due to support from people like you.

When we look at the growing diversity* on the Eastside, we know that VCBynum Arts fills a need of “lack” while providing steady work and opportunities for artists of color and a safe space where Black & Brown children are understood and exposed to instructors that look like them. As we fill this need, we are also inclusive, and all are welcome.

Our 2020 and 2021 online performances raised over $10,000 to assist Food Is Love, Northwest Tap Connection's Shaina's Garden, Special Moments for Kids, and a local artist battling cancer. We brought together a diverse and intergenerational group of artists to raise awareness of social justice and the food crisis in WA state, which has been exacerbated by the global pandemic.  In 2022 and 2023, we partnered with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the City of Bellevue's Diversity Advantage Team, Dr. Mimms presents, Communities Rise, and City Opera Ballet to hire artists of color for classes and performances in person and online.  In 2024, we will host our arts fundraiser and new works with exciting new partners (TBA) and the City of Seattle.  We hope our mission inspires you to partner with us during GiveBig 2024. 

Mission and Description

VCBynum Arts and Education is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to empower communities through socially relevant performances while raising funds for food equity, youth programs, and other causes. Through music, dance, poetry, and multimedia, we uplift African American culture and the voices of ALL artists… sharing Art for the Greater Good.  Our mission of empowerment propels us to generate amazing I.D.E.A.S.  We share our passion for the arts, creating work that is Informative,  Dynamic,  Empowering,  Accessible, and  Stimulating.

See our latest Newsletter and how we strive to support our communities. VCBArts April Newsletter

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VCBYNUM ARTS!

See HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR AFRO-BRAZILIAN AND MODERN DANCE WORKSHOP (2023), sponsored by the City of Bellevue.

Scroll further to see social media and more videos.

VC Bynum Arts & Education extends our deepest gratitude to the amazing support of local philanthropists, nonprofits, businesses, and organizations who have supported our past projects.  In 2023, we launched a new series of dance classes and workshops.  Your generosity is what enables us to support our community! 

GRANTORS

2024 Artists at the Center - Seattle Office of Arts & Culture & Seattle Center

2022 - 2024 Bellevue Arts Commission

2023 Communities Rise

2021 Artists at the Center - Seattle Office of Arts & Culture & Seattle Center

2021 Bellevue Arts Commision

2020 Jack Straw Artist Support Program

2020 Seattle Arts and Culture – smART ventures funding program

2020 Philanthropy Northwest

2019 4Culture Individual Artist Grant

2019 Artist Trust Gap Award

2018 Central District Forum - Showing Out:  Contemporary Black Choreographers

ORGANIZATIONS:
African American Reach and Teach Health Ministry, Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas, Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, Jeff Crosby and Associates, Twanda Hill and Associates, Philanthropy Northwest, En Pointe Starrs, Horizon House, Artist Trust, 4Culture, Jack Straw

WE ALSO EXTEND A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS