Da Cypher Youth is a community-based collective that seeks to inspire and provide creative opportunities by forge new paths to innovative storytelling, artistic collaboration, and entrepreneurial efforts. We empower the youth by bridging the gap between art and tech for disadvantaged communities.
OUR VISION
We believe that artists will change the world, using technology as their vehicle. Da Cypher Youth will plant the seeds that the next generation of roses growing in concrete will bloom from. Our vision is to design workshops/programming that promote creative exploration, create initiatives that supply resources directly to creatives, and organize community-based events to provide safe spaces for youth and their families.
DA CYPHER YOUTH INITIATIVES
Da Cypher Youth Creative Fund [ DCYCF ] was launched to highlight the talents of BIPOC(Black, Indigenous, People of Color)creatives, techies, and entrepreneurs ranging from 12-25 as a way to make a direct impact on our community. DCYCF is a resource for youth looking for financial support to fund their creative projects. This initiative is a mutual aid effort where we give upto $500 via a mini-grant to emerging creatives and entrepreneurs. Our creative fund is funded by our community through crowdfunding via Venmo and Cashapp.
How to apply?
1. Follow all of our Instagram pages: @dacypher.bk, @dacypheryouth, @cyph.bk and comment DONE on our most recent post.
2. Next, click the link below and fill out a short application about your art to the best of your ability OR tag us in a post on Instagram creatively displaying your art and tell us why Da Cypher should fund your next project
2020 recap: 17 mini-grants up to $500 were awarded to youth creatives ranging from digital art, photography, AI facial recognition to fine art and filmmaking. Check out some of their work below! Follow us on Instagram @dacypheryouth to learn more about our DCYCF grantees.
COMMUNITY GIVEBACKS
"WE GOT US" Saturdays
Fuel The People X Da Cypher X Grand St. Settlement
During the pandemic we noticed that many NYCHA developments and low-income areas weren't being aided during the pandemic in a way that was accessible to them. The food pantries only showed up once a month and didn't accommodate those without homes or people who didn't have the means to store the amount of uncooked food provided.
We partnered with Fuel The People, a food justice non-profit organization, and Grand St. Settlement to bring a bi-weekly sponsored food distribution of hot meals, utility packs, and household items to the residents of Tompkins Houses, a NYCHA development.
ALL PHOTOS @SHOTBYCAITLYN & VIDEOGRAPHY BY @JLAST_EDITS
