‘Oneness of Art’ project underway at Embracing Our Differences

Embracing Our Differences recently launched “The Oneness of Art,” a powerful yearlong initiative created by poet and teaching artist Cedric Hameed to unite the community through the power of creative expression.

The project’s initial phase, which began in September, will engage community members in interactive poetry workshops. Local visual artists and performers will then take inspiration from the words of workshop participants to create original art across a wide range of mediums, including visual, music and dance. The initiative will culminate in a community-wide celebration.

“We want to start a conversation,” Hameed said. “The hardest conversation is the one you don’t have. Once people start talking and communicating, that changes. People find their unique voice – and then they find their power.”

EOD executive director Sarah Wertheimer said the project creates in-depth community engagement through the power of artistic expression.

“EOD’s commitment to using art as a catalyst to create awareness and promote diversity has grown beyond our annual outdoor exhibit at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park,” Wertheimer said. “Over the past seven years, we’ve sought new, out-of-the-box ways to unite and engage the community. When Cedric approached us with this concept, we were immediately drawn to it and knew it was a great fit for our organization and our mission.”