ABOUT US
1. We seek to establish a collective of artists that will present works to the underserved communities throughout New York City, especially within The Bronx.
2. Art education is vital to the development of the community, applying increased benefits such as literacy, speech, critical thinking and creativity.
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3. While bringing artists together, our artistic movement will create new experiences to inspire a defining perspective of art.
OUR VISION
1. Art Defined Productions is a movement to address the hardships of artists searching for safe spaces to express, share and call home.
2. We offer insights into the professional world by creating opportunities in a nurturing environment.
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3. Throughout our cultivating environments, we encourage your unique artistic voice to be heard. By taking full ownership of your craft, you will approach your career understanding your intrinsic value.
4. Ready to have your art to be seen, heard and honored?
OUR APPROACH
THE STORY THUS FAR
MEET THE TEAM
Founder & Executive Director
Amira Mustapha is a Ghanaian-American Bronx-based artist, having founded Art Defined, because she wanted to create a platform for artists to explore, create, develop, and see their work come to life.
She has developed successful programs within her organization, like Poetic Affair, an open mic. In addition, Amira is looking to create a mentorship program where artists will be able to grow and prosper.
Since 2013, Amira has receieved multiple Community Arts Fund Grants from the Bronx Council on the Art, and since 2014, she has garnered annual support from the "nation's largest nonprofit organization serving creative writers," Poets and Writers, Inc. In 2019, Amira was presented with the Bharati Foundation Leadsership Award for her service, dedication, and commitment to the art community.
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Ray Janes Role
Ray Jane - I am a NY girl down to my toes, born in Brooklyn and raised in Far Rockaway, Queens. I have always loved writing and writing has shown me how to love. I try to take that love with me to work when I see my patients as a Palliative Care physician; and to life when I see my folk. I let my love be many things, as I hope to be, a conglomeration of many wonders when my work is finally done. I do my best to live with my heart open, my voice strong, and my hands ready for anyone who needs to be lifted.
Paul's Role
Paul LaTorre, aka Paulconqueso, is a poet, professor, publisher, performer, and activist from Newark, NJ. He teaches creative writing at his alma mater of Bloomfield College where he is lead Editor of 'BC Underground', an annual student-run literary magazine, and 'I Can't Breathe', a social justice oriented literary magazine with all proceeds benefiting the cause. Paul's poetry blends pop culture with activism for various causes: from social justice to mental
health, body image & eating disorders, sexual assault & other issues in need of advocacy. His first book of poems, 'Disappearing Boy' was published in March of 2020 by Three Mile Harbor Press and he is an active member of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, his poetic home, in NYC.
Facilitator
Juan Ramirez, Jr. is a Borinquén-Chapín-Bronx playwright, monologist, director, screenwriter, filmmaker, poet, and producer. His play, Calling Puerto, made Second Round for the Austin Film Festival, is a Miranda Family Voices Latinx Finalist with Repertorio EspaÅ„ol, is a 2020 BAPF Finalist, and is a recipient of the 2019 BRIO Award.
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His notable productions include Ridin' Shotgun (Best Play Downtown Urban Arts Festival), The American Dream (NAV Playwrights Festival, BBTF), Wall (LaTea, Cimientos), Stroke of Madness (Ingenio Milagro, Cimientos) and Don Juan (Dixon Place).
Juan is also a film assessor, script reader, dramaturg, and teaching artist. He received his B.A. from Lehman College and his MFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. To learn more, visit JuanRamirezJr.com.
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Project Coordinator
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Neranyi Roman brings her passion for
non-profit work and supporting artists in need to Art Defined. With a track
record of academic excellence, including receiving Certificates of Academic
Excellence and President's List recognition throughout her college years at
The College of Westchester, Neranyi brings a strong commitment to
excellence. She also served as the only student representative in the
Curriculum and Academic Policy Committee and was honored with the
prestigious Student of the Semester awards.
As a part of the Art Defined Family, Neranyi hopes to ensure the events run
flawlessly, creating memorable experiences for both artists and attendees.
With a Business Administration degree from the College of Westchester,
Neranyi possesses a solid foundation in organizational management and
strategic planning which she hopes will help her make the artists that step
through Art Defined’s stage shine.
Intern
Amanda Hutagalung is a sophomore at Baruch College, majoring in International Marketing with a minor in communication studies. She was born and raised in Queens by Indonesian parents, in a low-income household. Amanda enjoys reading comics and playing guitar as her hobbies. With a past of being introverted, her goal is to enhance her communication skills and broaden her social circle by meeting new people.
Intern
Ali Dansoko is a senior at Queens College, majoring in Advertising and minoring in Creative Writing. With a wide range of occupations including fiction writer, content creator, and poet, Ali prefers to be known as a creator. Joining ArtDefined as an intern has provided Ali with the chance to assist others in discovering and developing their creativity, a task that brings immense enjoyment. Ali is thrilled to be a part of the team at ArtDefined.
Intern
Bushra, is a first year student at Baruch College majoring in communication studies with a concentration in digital communication and culture. She has always carried a passion for activism, culture and organizations that support giving voices to communities that are underrepresented— such as ArtDefined. Her major concentration has helped her become who she is today and especially fulfill her Social Media Intern role at ArtDefined.
While this is Bushra’s first experience in her future career field, she wishes to thoroughly learn from and enjoy this experience at ArtDefined and build it into something stronger, so that she can continue advocating for marginalized communities in the same ways in future endeavors.
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Intern
Nujhat is a dedicated and driven individual pursuing a major in Computer Information Systems in Baruch College. With a passion for the arts, she believes that Art Defined Productions is the perfect place for her to learn new skills.
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Nujhat's creative and exploratory nature, combined with her dedication to uplifting artists, motivates her to do the work of Intern position at Art Defined Productions. She is excited to contribute to the organization's mission of creating an inclusive and equitable artistic environment.
