Introduction

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Dancers at an Expanded Arts Summer Job Program performance at Dunbar Community Arts Center. Angela Koukoui is in the center of photo in the pink unitard, 1988. Robert Breck Chapman Photographs.

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Angela Koukoui prepares young dancers for a performance at Baltimore City Hall. The dancers are members of the Xpressive4ever Dance Ensemble founded by Koukoui, 2014. Photograph courtesy of James Hayes.

Growing up in Baltimore City during the late 1980s was a challenge. After school activities and youth art programs were an outlet for many children and families. I did not go looking for the arts; the arts found me in my community and embraced me.

Through participating in the Cultural Arts Program, I experienced opportunities that I never thought were possible. I learned to think outside of my circumstances and to broaden my horizons. I was very fortunate to receive quality dance training through free and low-cost workshops and classes. It has been an honor to give back to the community that offered me a better quality of life.

Every child deserves this opportunity. 

Angela Koukoui
Exhibit Curator, 2016-2020