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Abel 2 recognizes that People with Disabilities (PWD) represent that largest minority population in America - 56.7 million people (19%)! It is the ONLY minority that any one can join. Our target audience is inclusive within the PWD community: all PWD regardless of diagnosis and anyone who cares about this population including: family, caregivers, physicians, attorneys, drivers, insurances, pharmaceuticals, housing, day centers, hospitals, etc.
MISSION:
To enhance the Quality of Life for People with Disabilities and the Under-served by Creating Music and Arts Opporutnities for Employment and Enjoyment.
VISION:
Abel 2 creates Self-Confident Agents of Change among the disabled and the under-served to Dismantle Unintended Barriers.
We provides unique artistic programming for and with people with disabilities and under-served communities that serve to empower, inspire, educate and equip audiences to become agents of change in their own lives and in the lives of those in their communities.
Abel 2 is unique in that it targets people with disabilities (PWD) and under-served populations whose needs and talents are often overlooked to develop high quality artistic programming that aid these communities in empowering themselves. We want to showcase their unlimited talent and not focus on their challenges.We truly believe that Music and The Arts can encourage change in individuals as well as the society. Our motto is “proving ability through creativity”. You can call it Arts Activism.
Since 2009, Abel 2 has reached over 10,000 children and adults. Abel 2 obtained its 501(c)3 in 2011. Though based in West Atlanta, Abel 2 service area includes all of Georgia.
Abel 2 has a database of artists with disabilities available for booking through Abel 2 and we also present one-of-a-kind events that showcase a diversity of talent. We provide the opportunity entertainers who are disabled to organizations desiring talent stretching beyond the limits of status quo.
Abel 2 needs funding to expand our programs and showcase talents around the world. In addition to creating events, Abel 2 is uniquely positioning itself in this role as facilitator or “match maker” connects companies, organizations, and community groups with under-served communities and then provides guidance and oversight to ensure that these fledgling relationships are beneficial to both parties. This way, Abel 2 is able to extend its reach and increase services for those in need.
MISSION:
To enhance the Quality of Life for People with Disabilities and the Under-served by Creating Music and Arts Opporutnities for Employment and Enjoyment.
VISION:
Abel 2 creates Self-Confident Agents of Change among the disabled and the under-served to Dismantle Unintended Barriers.
We provides unique artistic programming for and with people with disabilities and under-served communities that serve to empower, inspire, educate and equip audiences to become agents of change in their own lives and in the lives of those in their communities.
Abel 2 is unique in that it targets people with disabilities (PWD) and under-served populations whose needs and talents are often overlooked to develop high quality artistic programming that aid these communities in empowering themselves. We want to showcase their unlimited talent and not focus on their challenges.We truly believe that Music and The Arts can encourage change in individuals as well as the society. Our motto is “proving ability through creativity”. You can call it Arts Activism.
Since 2009, Abel 2 has reached over 10,000 children and adults. Abel 2 obtained its 501(c)3 in 2011. Though based in West Atlanta, Abel 2 service area includes all of Georgia.
Abel 2 has a database of artists with disabilities available for booking through Abel 2 and we also present one-of-a-kind events that showcase a diversity of talent. We provide the opportunity entertainers who are disabled to organizations desiring talent stretching beyond the limits of status quo.
Abel 2 needs funding to expand our programs and showcase talents around the world. In addition to creating events, Abel 2 is uniquely positioning itself in this role as facilitator or “match maker” connects companies, organizations, and community groups with under-served communities and then provides guidance and oversight to ensure that these fledgling relationships are beneficial to both parties. This way, Abel 2 is able to extend its reach and increase services for those in need.
PROGRAMMING:
Talent Agent for Performers with Disabilities
We are thrilled to be recognized and sought after as a resource for identifying top notch talent, especially within the disability community. Our performers are singers, musicians, poets, visual artists, and actors/speakers.
Voices Enabled Ensemble (VEE)
VEE is a unique show style singing group that features talented singers who have physical challenges and awesome voices is looking for new cast members. It is an inclusive group is power packed with amazing singers and gifted musicians using their abilities to empower others to use theirs. The ensemble performs some of the latest contemporary songs as well as classic songs across genres. The show is entertaining and engaging for all audiences
with and without disabilities.
The size goal for VEE is 12 male and female singers aged 16 and older with physical challenges, incorporating the parts of soprano, alto, tenor and bass within the Ensemble. Artistic/Executive Director, Myrna Clayton says, “there’s currently nothing like VEE out there, and what we’re hoping is that as we begin to expose the tremendous talent found within the disability community, that more physically challenged singers will come out to audition to be part of our ensemble. We envision Voices Embodied Ensemble eventually being to music what Paralympic athletes are to sports, where the focus is more on the excellence of their abilities, rather than their disabilities. In fact, we look forward to possibly being part of the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.”
VEE GOALS: 1) Showcase awesome singers using their talents, 2) Inspire and Empower audiences to use their gifts, 3) Boost confidence, and 4) Break down barriers for all people
ARTISTIC HANDS IN MOTION (Summer 2017)
GA Aquarium has asked that we once again do our music program that targets the deaf community. Our original program was HOLIDAY HANDS IN MOTION. We agree that there is a great opportunity to produce a year round show rather than a holiday only event. Plans and scheduling are underway.
INCLUSIVE DISABILITY CHOIR (Fall 2017)
By popular demand, we are excited to announce that Abel 2 is forming a choir deemed "inclusive" in that members will be person's with and without disabilities. We are currently looking for a central location in downtown Atlanta to have rehearsal.
PERFORMING ARTS and ETIQUETTE (Fall/Winter 2017)
This program is designed to target Rural populations.
THINK > BE > DO (Spring 2018)
To initiate our programming for inmates, Abel 2 is in the program development stage creating a "pilot" program targeting the jail population using music therapy to change negative behavior and reduce recidivism.
Artistic/Executive Director
Myrna Clayton, a professional and versatile internationally acclaimed jazz vocal stylist who’s been entertaining diverse and inclusive audiences in Atlanta, across the USA, and the world for over 10 years. Myrna also has an MBA with entrepreneurial and corporate Marketing experience in new product and new business development. With her business background and passion for singing, Myrna saw a gap in the arts marketplace of performers - artists with disabilities. As she searched for singers, she identified the need for uplift and opportunities to showcase the abilities and talents of people with disabilities. "We need to go beyond making shows available to audiences with disabilities and actually have performers on stage that look like them! This way, inspiration can occur not only for the affected population, but also their immediate families and support network of doctors, caregivers, etc," says Myrna. As her eyes were open to this need, Myrna noticed other populations under-represented, and thus under-served, in the realm of music and arts. Because at the core, Myrna is doer, rather than talking about the problem, she took action to form Abel 2.
Myrna Clayton, a professional and versatile internationally acclaimed jazz vocal stylist who’s been entertaining diverse and inclusive audiences in Atlanta, across the USA, and the world for over 10 years. Myrna also has an MBA with entrepreneurial and corporate Marketing experience in new product and new business development. With her business background and passion for singing, Myrna saw a gap in the arts marketplace of performers - artists with disabilities. As she searched for singers, she identified the need for uplift and opportunities to showcase the abilities and talents of people with disabilities. "We need to go beyond making shows available to audiences with disabilities and actually have performers on stage that look like them! This way, inspiration can occur not only for the affected population, but also their immediate families and support network of doctors, caregivers, etc," says Myrna. As her eyes were open to this need, Myrna noticed other populations under-represented, and thus under-served, in the realm of music and arts. Because at the core, Myrna is doer, rather than talking about the problem, she took action to form Abel 2.
What is the meaning behind our colorful heading photo?
We see the environment as the foundation of music and art. Birds sing! The wind howls! Trees creak! The ocean roars! Flowers release brilliant color. Insects have amazing shapes. The Sunset's colors over the Gulf Coast cannot be matched! Thus a piano made into green grass and trees is a wonderful depiction for us!! We hope it makes you smile as much as it does us. :)
We see the environment as the foundation of music and art. Birds sing! The wind howls! Trees creak! The ocean roars! Flowers release brilliant color. Insects have amazing shapes. The Sunset's colors over the Gulf Coast cannot be matched! Thus a piano made into green grass and trees is a wonderful depiction for us!! We hope it makes you smile as much as it does us. :)