Agap (Anacostia Gracious Arts Program)

The Anacostia Gracious Arts Program (AGAP) works in Washington, DC's Ward 7 with elementary- and middle school-aged children in an area that includes the Benning Heights and Benning Terrace neighborhoods.

Our after-school artistic outreach program was begun over 11 years ago by two compassionate adults who saw the need for a constructive and wholesome arts outlet among the children and disadvantaged youth in that quadrant and neighborhood of the District. The program is free and we teach drums, voice, dance, photography, drama, and art; as well as serving a nutritious and wholesome dinner, also free-of-charge.

But, as much as we teach; we are equally taught by these budding artists that come through our doors, full of life, self-belief, energy, talent, and joy.

Imagine a world where children dream both in charcoal and in shadows. Where what the lens captures is only half the story of the one taking the picture. Where feet and drumsticks echo the beat of the street; or where a soliloquoy is bent into a heartfelt song of possibilities.

At AGAP, we recognize both the strength of our students' talent and the fragility of the world in which they live. In addition to providing a safe and nurturing after-school environment, AGAP's overarching goal was to impress upon the students that their artistic talent was God-given and that this innate talent was meant to be used to heal, expand, unearth, affirm, and uplift themselves individually, and their community, as a whole.

Imagine a world where young artists are educated in body, mind, and spirit.  Where talent is unearthed and applauded.  Where creativity lightens the spaces where the shadows once were. Where those often relegated to insularity spread their wings and fly, and where joy abounds through faith, song, drumstroke, click, twirl, acting, and brushstroke.  

Please help expand and support the world of our young storytellers, photographers, artistists, dancers, singers, and drummers as they shine a light on themselves and their community by donating to AGAP and supporting its mission and goals.   

Visit us at http://www.agapdc.org and at http://www.facebook.com/pages/AGAP/142678769104318 to discover more about our wonderful program that brings the joy of spirit to individual and neighborhood through the arts. 

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