4TH Annual Girls Can! Collaborative a Success

KALAMAZOO, MI – Nearly 200 participants came out for arts, crafts, and interactive leadership activities offered during the 4th Annual Girls Can! Collaborative. The event was held September 9, 2016, as part of the monthly Art Hop festivities at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Hosted by the Merze Tate Explorers and the KIA, the mission of the evening was Unity: Helping girls find the power to believe in themselves. Through that theme, girls participated in interactive icebreaker activities, which not only allowed girls to make new friends, but to introduce them to the eight collaborating organizations.

In addition to the Merze Tate Explorers and KIA’s ArtGirls, partnership includes YWCA’s TechGyrls, Fire Historical and Cultural Arts’ Collaborative’s Writing with Fire, Black Arts and Cultural Center, Kalamazoo Junior Girls, Girls on the Run, and the Girl Scouts.

“Last year this event began as a way to highlight what all of these organization do to empower girls. The results were so amazing that organizations decided to team up to offer it again, having the focus on a more interactive experience,” said Hollins, founder of the Merze Tate Explorers.

“Across the board, the KIA is partnering with area organizations in new ways. Through this collaborative, we aim to use the arts to nurture the social, emotional, and cultural well-being of Kalamazoo area girls by connecting them with the KIA and other organizations. Through collaboration, we lay the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant community, by highlighting the variety of community resources and learning opportunities available for kids and families,” said Belinda Tate, executive director of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.