Storytelling Through Video

Visual art and digital media are powerful tools for storytelling and community impact. Students in the WMCAT Teen Arts + Tech Program’s fall 2023 Storytelling Through Video studio put this into practice with a community-facing project.

Partnering with Mosaic Film Experience, WMCAT teen artists created a video highlighting the connection between the arts and mental health in the African American community for the NIA Centre — Grand Rapids’ African American cultural center.  

This collaboration was a unique opportunity for students to engage a relevant cultural issue, build connections with community leaders and organizations, and gain and apply creative skills in video production.  

With mentorship from impact producer Tamarra Thomas, students interviewed NIA Centre Executive Director Andre Dandridge, psychiatrist Dr. Carolyn King MD, and artist Esan Sommersell.  

The subject of the video, Esan Sommersell, shared with students his experiences with self-doubt, social media, and confidence. These are things teens navigate regularly; students’ experiences and perspectives informed their approach to interviews, creative process, and production of the project. 

The final video premiered during the NIA Centre’s October 2023 “My Story 5” art exhibition at Muse featuring the work of Esan Sommersell. 

Through the project, WMCAT teen artists learned how to prepare for and lead professional interviews, how to explore issues with thoughtful creativity, and the process of video production. Students wrote questions, filmed interviews, collected B-roll, and recorded audio to bridge the impact of social media, mental health, and artist self-determination.