About Us
OUR MISSION
To offer greater accessibility and opportunity in the fine arts for aspiring, underserved ethnicities, the developmentally disabled, and those eager to manage mental wellness in emerging generations
OUR VISION
For all artists to have endless opportunities and resources that inspire cultivation of their craft. We seek to preserve and promote the fine arts as they enhance all aspects of cultural awareness for greater community engagement
RESPECT
For the arts as its everlasting influences continue to extend through many generations, preserving the past, enlightening the present, and challenging the future
OPPORTUNITY
For our programs and partnerships to provide access to essential resources, fundamental education, and career preparation that realizes favorable outcomes for all communities
COLLABORATION
To embrace and continuously seek partnerships that are mutually aligned, embrace our vision, and creates a collective experience in support of others
CREATIVITY
To promote an innovative atmosphere for the advancement of the fine arts and community engagement
EDUCATION
To embrace knowledge that provides a foundation to foster ingenuity where youth can pursue their greatest potential
OUR STORY
AND THERE WAS A VISION THAT BECAME REALITY....
Kendall Owens, an honors student and Presidential Scholar at Western Michigan University majoring in dance and nursing, began her education and dance training in the inner city of Detroit. Later, she attended schools in the suburban area where she noticed a difference in the availability and quality of opportunities, education, and training in the fine arts. Taking advantage of these resources, Kendall received dance and festival scholarships to travel within the United States that advanced her training and exposed her to endless possibilities. New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles expanded Kendall’s network and perspective of the arts as each city embraced the arts community in a way that her community did not. In her travels, it became evident that something was missing - the presence of other underrepresented ethnic groups. She was grateful for such opportunities and wanted her fellow artists of color to experience the same despite probable life struggles. As an African American, she realized the economic, financial, and social struggles that underrepresented groups face in today's society.
Since childhood, Kendall has been dedicated to caring for and cultivating the lives of others. This led to her interest in nursing. Through direct experience and her studies, she discovered that the arts do not discriminate their powerful impact on any people. As a fourteen-year old assistant dance instructor teaching Down syndrome students, Kendall developed a passionate interest in the effects of fine arts on individuals with developmental disabilities. She wanted to provide more opportunities for the developmentally disabled including fine arts activities that would improve their quality of life, increase public awareness, and promote the appreciation of fine arts.
New Generation Fine Arts Foundation (NewGen), a public charity, was established as a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt, non-profit organization. Kendall created this organization to enhance awareness and respect for the arts in Metro-Detroit. Her mission is to give back to the community by educating and inspiring young artists like herself. NewGen’s purpose is to provide access to greater opportunities for the underserved, developmentally disabled, and young artists with mental health concerns while contributing to a flourishing, culturally aware, and artistically educated community.
