Universally Human welcomes youth across the city to experience
different alternatives to keep them active. About three blocks of historic
Vinton Street will be shut down and dedicated to Universally Human from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 12.
The idea behind Universally Human arose after the Deer Park
Neighborhood Association (DPNA) helped organize Deer Park’s first community
mural, quickly followed by hosting Omaha’s first Urban Art competition,
Abstract Concrete, at the Bancroft Street Market last August.
After Abstract Concrete proved to be a success, the
participants craved more and Duran got many requests to host another
competition. Instead of feeding the
needs of just one category, the Deer Park Neighborhood Association and Habitat
for Humanity decided to open the doors to individuals across the city as part
of their Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative.
“The youth in our area have a lot of different talents and
urban art is just one of the talents.
There are a lot of creative programs in our community that could help
youth showcase their abilities.”
The artists’ mediums will not be the typical canvas
backdrop; Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is donating repurposed materials to
create masterpieces. Universally
Human will line the sidewalks of Vinton with a variety of other youth driven
groups and organizations that offer our city’s youth opportunities to share
their talents.
Victory Boxing will be a knock out with live demonstrations
on a portable boxing ring. Local break
dancers will put their own spin on the festival with dancing, demonstrations
and lessons. The Creative Institute and
Kent Bellows will also be artistically contributing to the festivities. Participants can also compete in creative
writing competitions and poetry slams. Everyone
can also experience the local flair of Vinton Street restaurants from burgers
to barbacoa as well as a historical walking tour of the area.
“Our youth can be
exposed to lot of positive activities in Omaha, whether it be sports, art or
writing at Universally Human,” said
Duran. “The kids who are already
participating in these projects will be given a chance to show the community
what they can do.”
Universally Human has a few merchant booths open and are
inviting all organizations with youth outreach programs or have an interest in
youth to apply. Booths are also
available for local artists to sell their work.
To register, please contact Katie Duran at deerparkneighborhood@yahoo.com
or 402.459.0042 by Wednesday, May 9.
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