Rhythm Visions Production Company, Inc.

Rhythm Visions is advancing the economic development of our communities by housing and employing artists, promoting commerce, and providing arts education to our community.

Rhythm Visions offers educational performing arts workshops and contemporary arts productions to New York, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, and Mississippi. Our programs serve diverse audiences ranging from juvenile detention facilities to off-Broadway playhouses.

In 2014 Rhythm Visions expanded our services to address the practical needs of our communities by housing and employing artists and creating and selling high-quality, functional art. Rhythm Visions has purchased and is renovating our first artist live/work space in Jackson, MS.

The following goals are listed in our Articles of Incorporation:

To engage in the production of significant artistic works by people of color
Rhythm Visions produces two professional productions per year featuring the works of local artists. We have produced the works of Boston artist, Ife' Franklin, Brooklyn-based playwright, Patricia Ione Lloyd; Emerson College professor, Robbie McCauley and many others.

To provide educational and cultural opportunities to young people in the community
Rhythm Visions’ educational programs (listed above) not only provide professional arts training, but address issues relevant to the communities we serve.

To develop the works of local artists
Rhythm Visions is currently partnering with five resident artists in producing contemporary work for national and international touring. These artists represent the communities we serve - Jackson, Mississippi; Roxbury, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; and Brooklyn, New York, and include Obie award winning director Clinton Turner Davis; creator of the critically acclaimed Ife' Franklin Indigo Project, Ife' Franklin; graphic artist, Fred Roseman (Kaz-Magic Arts) and visual artists Ester Smith and Demetrius Williams.

We recently added a goal:

To house and employ artists through our HOME (Housing Our Major Expressionists) artists live/work space.

Housing Artists (HOME)
Rhythm Visions is currently renovating property at 143 Pine Ridge Drive in Jackson, MS, to provide housing and work space to artists through our HOME (Housing Our Major Expressionists) program. We seek to house 3 local artists by 2016. The residence will feature a computer lab with internet service, studio space, and a library.

Finally, we are partnering with local banks, educational organizations and real estate professionals to provide our residents courses in financial management, business development and home buying.

We have expanded our programming to serve Jackson, Mississippi; Washington, DC; Boston, Massachusetts; and Brooklyn, New York.

We have strengthened our board through board education and development.

We have hired additional staff.

We have strengthened our methods for review and evaluation of our programs.

We have increased our online presence to attract more audiences and donors.

We have increased our roster of audiences.

We are hiring a program coordinator to assist in administering programs in four states.

RHYTHM VISIONS contracts over 20 artists per year to serve workshop participants and audiences in New York, Massachusetts, District of Columbia, and Mississippi.

Since August 2014, Rhythm Visions has hired a permanent staff member in Jackson (project manager), Ms and contracted 5 Jackson-based companies employing 15 Jacksonians. Companies include HalfAcre Engineering, Stover Developments, Alex’s Home Improvement, Pearson Environmental Services and Harrell’s Tree Services.

Promoting Commerce and Sustainability
Rhythm Visions is determined to promote economic vitality and sustainability in the following ways:

1. Producing a monthly open-air market with affordable rates for vendors and customers

2. Creating an online store featuring the works of local artists utilizing our sizable social media following and contact lists of over 10,000

3. Recycling wood for production and sale through partnership with Hinds Community College and Harrell’s Tree Service

4. Growing an organic community garden for nutrition and produce sales

5. Creating and selling Rhythm Visions merchandise including T-shirts, mugs, and stationary

6. Presenting public productions featuring local, national and international artists

To engage in the production of significant artistic works by people of color

To provide educational and cultural opportunities to young people in the community

To develop the works of local artists

To house and employ artists through our HOME (Housing Our Major Expressionists) artists live/work space.

Our challenges include:

Securing federal, state and local grants and contracts
Much of our funding comes through individual donations or donations from organizations who know and have continued to support our work over the years. We have registered with federal and state sites so that we can be more competitive in applying for grants and contracts. We also hired two development consultants this year, became members of several nonprofit resource organizations, and have been attending informative sessions and webinars.

Generating sustainable economic revenue
We have a wealth of skill, talent and inventory. As an artist-run organization, we consistently face challenges related to business and finance. We study, take advantage of business development resources, and consult with successful business strategists.

Staffing needs are crucial, however we face the challenge of generating enough revenue to hire and retain staff. Again, we are consulting strategists and utilizing the resources of workforce development programs like City Year and AmeriCorps.

Finally, we have found partnering with other businesses and organizations to be essential. What we don't know or have can always be found. And we, in turn, offer wonderful artists resources to our partners.