Meet C. Robinson: Director of Agape Performing Arts Inc.

We had the good fortune of connecting with C. Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi C., is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
The Performing Arts are forms of creative activities of expression that are performed in front of an audience i.e., Band, Drama, Dance, Music. These activities of expression have been used as a tool that has allowed communities of color to live and see beyond their current circumstance for generations. Seven skills needed to succeed in The Performing Arts are: 1. Confidence 2. The ability to network and market yourself 3. Resilience 4. An analytical mind and the ability to self-reflect 5. Flexibility 6. Teamwork 7. Organization and time management. Black performance opens a space of experience towards transformations of knowledge, ethnicity, self, and communal learning that must be emphasized in today’s urban classroom curriculum. Growing bodies of research suggests that the Arts offer a creative space for activities of expression, which signifies a unique prolific climate, which enables all five domain factors to be nurtured. The Performing Arts and SEL possess an interrelation that helps improve and enhance the way scholars learn reading, verbal, and math skills. Thus, the implementation of Black Performing Arts culture into urban classrooms will provide an equitable learning climate that addresses the educational achievement gap and enhance Socio-Emotional Learning skills for scholars of color.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Agape Performing Arts Inc. is an exclusive 501(C)(3) organization rooted in Historically Black College and University culture. APA Inc. strives to aid and mentor Performing Art Scholars in Atlanta and its surrounding cities through scholarship initiatives, worthwhile community projects, and leadership/career development projects.
At Agape Performing Arts Incorporated, we believe that the service to the Performing Arts and its scholars are the essence of who we are.
Our Guiding Principles are: Community, Effectiveness, Desire, Self-Discipline, Dedication, Punctuality, and Love.
Our principles are used as a foundation to secure that our commitment to transform our communities and to strengthen our scholars, are achievable. They help us exude excellence, embrace Social-Emotional Learning which will enable scholars to transform their current reality to a reality that they choose.
Our primary goal is to build character, pride and integrity through performing arts education.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I wouldnt really have anywhere to tell them to go. I’m so ingulfed in day-to-day activities to help my businesses grow, i dont go out. Not to mention, we have been experiencing a Pandemic that has forced us to stay away from heavily crowed places. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A major shout out goes to Jessica Green, my sister. She has been crucial in helping me develop APA Inc. by always pushing me to be my best self, no matter the situation.

Website: www.vbvmapparel.com

Instagram: agapeperformingartsinc

Image Credits
KIPP Metro Atlanta, Mia Edwards