Arts and Animation Vocational Training Studios

Introduction:

Michelle Spady, educator, and business owner, is Founder and Chief Creative Officer, at Arts and Animation Vocational Training Studios, she is very passionate about the organization's Mission and Vision. The formation of the not-for-profit was inspired by her son, who is an artist and on the autism spectrum. 

Personal experience raising a "neurodiverse" son, talented in the arts, but unable to find employment, has afforded her years and years of first-hand knowledge and experience as to needs, opportunities, and services that are provided, and not provided to others like him, especially after leaving high school.

Our Mission: 

To improve the lives of young adult artists on and off the autism spectrum by offering opportunities to enrich their artistic and social skills, to promote their work, and to connect them with potential employers in the fields of animation, digital storytelling, innovation, and visual arts.

Our Vision:

Arts and Animation  Vocational Training Studios' vision is for all young adult artists, on and off the autism spectrum to reach their dreams and fullest potential to contribute globally to the industries of digital entertainment, and visual arts. 

We ask that you join us on this journey to sustain Arts and Animation Studios' programs so that we may empower artists and offer them opportunities to exhibit, safe-spaces to collaborate and grow, and digital tools to foster independence, advocate for themselves, and promote their art works.

What do we need initially to begin?

Technology and equipment

Facility and Utilities

Staffing and (specialized) Instructors

Program Development

Marketing and Outreach

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Events and Student Showcases

Contingency and Miscellaneous

What drives us:

The Department of Labor reports an alarming rate of  85% of autistic adults are unemployed even with a college education. There are many factors that play into this.

After the age of twenty-two(22) services are no longer mandated by the government. Many of these students are faced with limited opportunities for success in the employment arena. Many of these students are very talented and not only are they interested in the Digital Entertainment Industry; they have the artistic talents to succeed in that industry.

Our Solution: 

For the past two years Arts and Animation Studios has hosted "activities" to test the need, sustainability and viability of a solid integrated art program that would be intentional about inclusiveness of neurodiverse artists. 

Using an outcome driven approach to programming, we gathered a team of committed professionals; financial advisors/consultants, Special Education teachers, mental health specialists, innovators, artists and entrepreneurs to design forward going programs, with SMART goals and objectives including fidelity over fiscal responsibilities. 

Using a "studio" hybrid themed business model we have created several programs, with your help and support will begin this fall and into 2025. 

Recruitment begins in October for 25 individuals to fill our 25 seats in our 4 "virtual" studios (online, in-kind, and rental spaces). 

Studio One: Skill development, i.e. visual arts, animation, innovation, digital storytelling. In Studio One artists are able to develop their creative skills and build a strong foundation in their chosen discipline. (We're flexible and adaptable. We meet them where they are.)

Studio Two: Health Awareness component for mindfulness activities. Project collaborations, networking and socialization opportunities. Promoting stress management, resilience, and life skills that are vital for artists to thrive both personally and professionally.

Studio Three: Career Readiness and Entrepreneurship where artists are equipped with the skills to navigate the professional world of digital entertainment. Participants learn how to advocate for themselves, promote their art products, and develop a career plan.

Studio Four: Internship Exploration and opportunities to meet experts in the digital entertainment field. While physical internships are not guaranteed, we assist artists in exploring potential opportunities with companies aligned with their interests.

More Facts:

The impact of digital entertainment in a supportive and creative environment for young adults is significant and multifaceted. According to a report by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), digital entertainment, including video games, has been shown to enhance problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity among young adults. 

A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders highlights the social benefits of engaging with digital entertainment in a supportive setting. Neurodiverse artists often face challenges in social interactions, but digital entertainment can serve as a bridge to connect with peers who share similar interests.

These creative environments promote collaboration, teamwork, and the development of valuable social skills.