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We are the Twistid Arts Initiative. We were born from the desire to raise awareness and access to all forms of visual and performing arts in the community through innovative programming, hands-on education, and immersive events right here in Citrus County.
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How We Got Started
Our sister company, Twistid Ink, worked very closely with the CHS arts departments and, in our time working with these students, we realized that several things were true:
1. The creative youth of this community had limited exposure to successful arts-based career individuals, companies, etc.
2. The starving artist myth was very alive and active in Citrus County, even down to the adults guiding these students on their career paths.
3. There aren't enough high quality arts-related activities in Citrus County, especially for the youth.
4. A lot of students and adults are unaware of the different career opportunities available in the arts industries.
After we, as Twistid Ink, hosted the inaugural Walk of Arts Festival in 2022 based solely on the remarks and comments being made to us by members of the community - we realized quickly that the community was eager for more art-related events, support, and education.
And so, Twistid Arts Initiative was born!
1. The creative youth of this community had limited exposure to successful arts-based career individuals, companies, etc.
2. The starving artist myth was very alive and active in Citrus County, even down to the adults guiding these students on their career paths.
3. There aren't enough high quality arts-related activities in Citrus County, especially for the youth.
4. A lot of students and adults are unaware of the different career opportunities available in the arts industries.
After we, as Twistid Ink, hosted the inaugural Walk of Arts Festival in 2022 based solely on the remarks and comments being made to us by members of the community - we realized quickly that the community was eager for more art-related events, support, and education.
And so, Twistid Arts Initiative was born!
Where We Are Now
Twistid Arts Initiative is currently in its early stages of the start-up process. Now a legal entity and recognized non-profit in the State of Florida, the organization is currently awaiting approval from the US IRS department for it's national 501(c)3 status. Our current approximated processing date is April, with the status being retroacted to our time of filing, which was October 2022.
Currently, we are accepting donations for the operations of the organization and sponsorships for the 2023 Walk of Arts Festival. While 2023 will be minimal as far as activity, we are looking to host some small workshops (art and acting related), music lessons, pop-gallery events, and of course, the Walk of Arts in 2023. Make sure to sign up for our email list to stay apprised of upcoming TAI events.
The future of Twistid Arts Initiative will involve launching a full-scale events space/venue where we can hold workshops, classes, gallery shows, and live performances and will be the primary focus of our fundraising efforts through the upcoming years. We intend to make the venue available for performance groups, musicians, and organizations of all calibers - not just for our own events . In the meantime, we will be happily assisting in all marketing efforts for local visual and performing arts events and organizations using our platform and our other sister company, Ink Splat Brand Services. We strongly believe the arts need to be recognized in a stronger capacity in Citrus County and will work hard to shine a light on the arts-based individuals and organizations in the community!
Currently, we are accepting donations for the operations of the organization and sponsorships for the 2023 Walk of Arts Festival. While 2023 will be minimal as far as activity, we are looking to host some small workshops (art and acting related), music lessons, pop-gallery events, and of course, the Walk of Arts in 2023. Make sure to sign up for our email list to stay apprised of upcoming TAI events.
The future of Twistid Arts Initiative will involve launching a full-scale events space/venue where we can hold workshops, classes, gallery shows, and live performances and will be the primary focus of our fundraising efforts through the upcoming years. We intend to make the venue available for performance groups, musicians, and organizations of all calibers - not just for our own events . In the meantime, we will be happily assisting in all marketing efforts for local visual and performing arts events and organizations using our platform and our other sister company, Ink Splat Brand Services. We strongly believe the arts need to be recognized in a stronger capacity in Citrus County and will work hard to shine a light on the arts-based individuals and organizations in the community!
Leaders of Twistid Arts Initiative
Elisha Belden
Founder, CEO/Board President
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Josiah Webb
Vice President, Board Treasurer
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Madison Pensinger, Grant Writer, Board Secretary
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Danny Belden, Creative Director
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