Looking Back at 2020
Asking the question of 'How are you?' has been a tough one to answer. We've been in quarantine these past 9 months and within that period, we've been protesting for Black lives, for justice, and for equity. We've been seeing the effects of capitalism and how these very systems that we live in do not work for everyone as some families have to work twice as hard or may not even have work. We've been seeing art spaces close and artists losing the spaces that they call their second home. I know it has been a tough and painful year for many of us, but at the same time, there is a shift happening.
"Art is so malleable that it can be used as a form of protest. Tell your stories and raise awareness. Express your pain and oppression. Be bold, Black and proud. Exist and be unapologetic." - Totem Star Artist, AMINA
The shift that we are seeing is happening in all of us. As the youth continually speak their truths, it gives us the strength to do so as well. To reflect, to reevaluate, and to hold ourselves accountable with love and grace.
Thank you family for your continued support. Because of it, Totem Star has been able to support our artists via virtual spaces for nine months now.
Stay safe, prioritize your health especially with winter season, and Happy Holidays to you all! Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your support.
2021, we are ready for you!
The youth are the truth.
How can the youth be more at the core of our decision-making?
This year, we created our inaugural Youth Board to further center and put more power back into the community we serve. Our youth board created the name, Totem Star Leadership Collective aka TLC and we are excited to continually build with this next generation of brilliance!
Presenting our Inaugural Youth Board, the TLC!
Image credit: Amy Piñon
Virtual Studio B Session with the family.
Image credit: Tracey Wong
Community.
Our growth happens with community. Continuing to hold virtual spaces that gather us to collectively learn, witness, and grow together.
We are in deep gratitude for the young artists coming through to build in our virtual events
-- Lavender Sessions, Studio B Virtual Sessions, New Vibe Sessions, and #totemstarlive
Accessibility.
While in quarantine, all learning has been virtual. Digital equity and access to the arts for young people for the youth is a priority for us.
This year, we were able to provide our artists with studio equipment such as microphones, audio interfaces, and headphones to elevate our one-on-one remote sessions. We've continued to host The Story online, as well as launching our Studio B Workshop series.
Remote Session with artist mentor Pak and Totem Star artist Zoser. Image credit: Daniel Pak
FRESA performing at the Gates Virtual Concert.
Image from the Gates Foundation Virtual Concert.
Celebrating our 10 years.
Two brilliant musicians, Daniel Pak and Thaddeus Turner started Totem Star as a remote studio that fit in a suitcase. Fast forward ten years and we've gone from just two to a large, ridiculous, supportive family. Thadd and Pak are co-founders of our huge family at Totem Star!
Cheers to a decade of our organization's movement towards our mission and vision of empowering the next generation of young artists. Shout out to the whole Totem Star family for adding so much to our organization and continuing to elevate our work in a holistic way. To our young artists, the Totem Star Leadership Collective, our staff, our board, our committees, and to YOU ALL..we love you!
Thank you so much for being a part of this family and for your continued love and support!
Valuing our artists.
In order to raise the value proposition of the arts we must book and pay our artists for their music, their time, and all of the work they do. We want the youth to see the value and importance in their art.
We are so grateful to have been able to continue our Artist Booking programming while in this pandemic. We've been able to put on concerts and host performances that allow our artists to perform at events in partnership with APACEvotes, Washington Bus, RVC, The Stranger, Keep Music Live, and the Gates Foundation this past year! We have so much love for our partners and community!
Holiday Feast & Jam Session, 2019.
Image credit: Natalie Laughlin