• Phone: 313.872.6910

Posts By :

mosaic

Celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth: The Legacy of Past, Present, and Future Trailblazers

Celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth: The Legacy of Past, Present, and Future Trailblazers 1200 800 mosaic

We know that Black history is more than just a small subset of history – it IS history. During Black History Month we’ve been sharing powerful stories of Black influence and creativity. We’re lucky to have nearly unlimited sources of inspiration within Mosaic—from our current Young Artist class to our legendary Mosaic alumni network.

As the month wraps up, we leave you with five powerful videos and a photo series representing Mosaic’s past, current, and future. Please enjoy the spoken word of three extraordinary current young artists, an interview with award-winning “Debating Destiny” creator James Anthony Tyler, as well as an enlightening conversation with Mosaic Alumni Brian Taylor. Further down, we share a trip we took with our Youth Ensemble to the Flint Repertory Theatre where they spent time with influential members of the theatrical community.

And while February has ended, be assured that the stories we share of Black influence, creative expression, power, and innovation will not stop when the month ends.

Mosaic Young Artist, Charisma, presents “Standby Lights,” a reflection of artistic Black trailblazers and their creation of masterpieces.

Mosaic Young Artist, Zora, presents “Rockstar,” a look at Black creators and their successes using new techniques and styles.

Mosaic Young Artist, Adiran, presents “Writing the Future,” a look at the Black community and those who have used their talents to inspire, create, and resonate.

Come behind the scenes with playwright James Anthony Tyler to discuss his new play, “Debating Destiny,” and how he used Mosaic’s Young Artists as inspiration for the plot and characters.

Watch our exclusive interview with Mosaic Alumni and professional actor, Brian Taylor, as he reflects on what it means to be a Black performer and storyteller as you progress through your career.

Early in February our Youth Ensemble headed to Flint and had the opportunity to meet and chat with playwright James Anthony Tyler and actor (and Mosaic alum!) Brian Taylor at the Flint Repertory Theatre. The pair were preparing for performances of Tyler’s play “Into the Side of the Hill.”

The experience took on special meaning for the group because they had also been working on play by James Anthony Tyler called “Debating Destiny.” The world premiere of the play is slated for March 1 and 2 in Detroit. The ability to meet and discuss the play you’re performing in with its writer is an experience our Ensemble members are sure to remember!

Elan Charitable Giving Program Expands to Include Mosaic Youth Theatre

Elan Charitable Giving Program Expands to Include Mosaic Youth Theatre 1200 800 mosaic

Detroit-Based Organization Receives Portion of the $375,000 Donation

The Elan Charitable Giving program today announced $375,000 in donations across 30 communities. Each $12,500 gift was given to a charity selected by an Elan Credit Card partner. In Michigan, Mosaic Youth Theatre in Detroit was selected as beneficiary.

“We’re delighted to expand our reach this year to the communities of 15 credit union and 15 community bank partners,” said John Owens, Elan Credit Card General Manager, “From food insecurity and housing to animal shelters and youth arts programming, the Elan Charitable Giving program continues to support the needs of our partner’s communities.”

The Public Service Credit Union in Romulus, Michigan, was named a 2024 Elan Charitable Giving credit card partner. Mosaic Youth Theatre was designated as the recipient of its $12,500 donation. The funds will help support the organization’s robust youth theatre programs.

Since the launch of the Elan Charitable Giving program in 2022, $1.7 million has been distributed to 122 charities. Elan employees have also volunteered 225 hours of their time to further the impact of these gifts. Additional volunteer events with selected partners and charities will take place in 2024.

About Mosaic Youth Theatre

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit empowers young people to maximize their potential through professional performing arts training and the creation of engaging, transformative, and inspiring theatrical and musical art. An award-winning national model for youth arts excellence and creative youth development, Mosaic has toured critically-acclaimed all-teen performances worldwide. Its class of 2023 had a 100 percent high school graduation rate. Learn more at www.mosaicdetroit.org

About Elan Credit Card

Elan Credit Card partners with financial institutions to grow their business through our outsourced credit card program, mortgage solutions, and all-in-one merchant processing platform, talech®. Our dedication to our partners, growth philosophy, and investment in technology has made us a leader in the industry since 1968. Learn more about our innovative solutions for consumer and business accounts of all sizes. For more information, visit www.elanfinancialservices.com/credit-card.

Noel Night draws thousands to Detroit’s Cultural Center

Noel Night draws thousands to Detroit’s Cultural Center 1320 880 mosaic

The Mosaic Youth Theatre Singers perform during Noel Night at the Detroit Institute of Arts on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 in Detroit.

The Mosaic Youth Theatre Singers perform during Noel Night at the Detroit Institute of Arts on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 in Detroit.

Reverberating Through the Community: Mosaic Youth Theatre Performs for Hundreds of Children in 2023

Reverberating Through the Community: Mosaic Youth Theatre Performs for Hundreds of Children in 2023 1200 800 mosaic

There’s nothing like experiencing something great for the first time. Finally hitting that high note, getting the lead role in a play, or experiencing the thrill of your very first live performance. These experiences create a ripple effect that can impact the course of a child’s life. Mosaic Youth Theatre proudly provides an opportunity for the children of Detroit to experience many exciting “firsts,” including first visits to the DIA, first theatre performances, and perhaps another exciting first—becoming a young artist themselves.

Through in-school performances, community performances, and school field trips, Mosaic reaches hundreds of schoolchildren in Detroit and beyond each year. During these performances, children see themselves on stage and realize that there is a world of exciting opportunities open to them.

Donations that come in for Giving Tuesday help Mosaic continue its legacy of providing opportunities to experience and participate in the theatre at many levels. Each year, a new wave of young artists come through Mosaic to learn and hone their skills as actors, singers, writers, set designers, technicians, and more. Through partnerships with schools and local institutions, Mosaic’s young artists get a chance to share their passions with the incoming younger generation of artists. Mosaic has created a pipeline of talent in the Metro-Detroit area that shows no signs of slowing, so long as the non-profit can continue to get community support.

Those interested in supporting Mosaic can do so through a monetary donation. Mosaic’s Giving Tuesday campaign is now live.

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit Welcomes Five New Board Members and New Board Leadership

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit Welcomes Five New Board Members and New Board Leadership 1200 800 mosaic

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit (Mosaic) , announced today the appointment of five new board members and a new chair and vice chair who will help support the nonprofits work to create pathways to equity and opportunity for youth through the arts.

“We’re excited to partner with these five new board members who bring diverse expertise, deep commitment to Mosaic’s mission and new insights to enhance outcomes for Detroit area youth,” shared Governance Chair, Marietta Cleveland.

Terry Bonnette Named New Board Chair

Terry Bonnette, a seasoned partner at Nemeth Law, PC, with extensive experience in labor and employment law, has assumed the role of Board Chair. Mr. Bonnette is a renowned expert in his field and a frequent author and speaker on labor and employment law topics. He previously served as Mosaic’s Vice Chair and brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to his new position.

Mark Denis Appointed as Vice Chair

Mark Denis, a respected member of the Mosaic Board since 2022, has been named Vice Chair. With over 30 years of experience in finance and strategic planning, including 14 years at General Motors, Mark is passionate about giving back to the community. He has a long-standing commitment to not-for-profit organizations, including serving on the Board of COTS Detroit for over 18 years.

Bonnette and Denis join existing officers, including Wisam Qasem-Fakhoury, CFO at Access, who returns to a second term as Board Treasurer, and Diane Borgus Green, M.A., NCC, who also returns to a second term as board secretary.

New Board Members Join the Team

“Each member brings a wealth of unique experiences and skills that strengthen our ongoing commitment to cultivating capacity, creativity and community with young people. By fostering these thoughtful partnerships and connections with experts in education, business, finance, and health & human services, we’re not just working to support youth and our community – we’re building an invaluable network that will empower them to thrive now and in the future,” commented DeLashea Starwder, Mosaic’s Executive & Artistic Director.

Mosaic is thrilled to welcome five new board members who bring diverse skills and backgrounds to the organization:

Dr. Rita Fields – Dr. Fields is the dual CEO of both 313 Industries, Inc. and Copper Phoenix Consulting, LLC, and she brings a wealth of experience in business and community leadership.

Dr. Denise Jacob – With a strong background in community engagement, Dr. Jacob will contribute her expertise to Mosaic’s efforts in creating a more inclusive society.

Lois McEntyre – Lois McEntyre, the general manager of customer success operations at Intuit, offers valuable corporate insight to the board.

Melissa Thomas – Melissa Thomas, Manager of Special Events at Eastern Market Partnership, brings event planning and community engagement skills to the organization.

Yvette Drayton – Yvette Drayton, Financial Coordinator at We The People Michigan, will provide her financial acumen to support Mosaic’s mission.

Mosaic is excited about the fresh perspectives and expertise that these new leaders bring to the organization and looks forward to their contributions as Mosaic continues to expand pathways to equity and opportunity through the arts.

Meet Harron

Meet Harron 1200 800 mosaic

Mosaic taught me to commit both onstage and off. To go hard every time I hit the stage and hold nothing back. But also to commit to my craft when off the stage. Why do the thing if you’re not gonna put your whole self into it? Only the best, nothing less!

Meet Dane

Meet Dane 1200 800 mosaic

Mosaic is a source of pride within the city and globally.

It’s proof that Detroit is now, was, and will forever be a world class creative capital.

Meet Imani

Meet Imani 1200 800 mosaic

Access to the arts is fundamental in any young person’s life…..providing that for young Black students who have already been deemed criminal, uneducated, and left out of society means something. It’s life changing to be told that the talent you have can take you somewhere further than where circumstances placed you, and giving us the skillset to do so is even more powerful.

Mosaic is a home to so many young Black artists looking for one in Detroit.

Meet Sophina

Meet Sophina 1200 800 mosaic

Mosaic has given Detroit an artistic footprint and a reputation for training incredible young performers.

Mosaic is where dreams become goals.

Meet LaKeisha

Meet LaKeisha 1200 800 mosaic

Something from my Mosaic experience I carry with me in my work life is the quality I bring to all that I do.

“Only the Best, Nothing Less”, Mosaic’s motto, which also is applicable to my life in general. I work hard, and I bring my best and my full heart to all that I do – that started when we learned to bring our all to the stage so many years ago.