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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 a legal entity and recognized non-profit in the State of Florida, the organization has been granted national 501(c)3 status by the IRS. Determination letters and other such records can be requested by emailing [email protected].
At this time, we are accepting donations for the operations of the organization and sponsorships for the 2025-2026 programming season.
This summer, we are 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. As, always, our focus will continue to be placed on visual and performing arts education -- we believe that everyone, regardless of location, socioeconomic status, race, gender, or age, should have access to the same quality of performing and visual arts education as larger demographic areas.
At this time, we are accepting donations for the operations of the organization and sponsorships for the 2025-2026 programming season.
This summer, we are 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. As, always, our focus will continue to be placed on visual and performing arts education -- we believe that everyone, regardless of location, socioeconomic status, race, gender, or age, should have access to the same quality of performing and visual arts education as larger demographic areas.
Members of the Twistid Arts Initiative
Admin & Organization
Elisha Belden,
Founder/Executive Director
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Gabi Young, Executive Assistant
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Art Department
Danny Belden, Creative Director
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Alyssa Savery, Artist
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Matthew Taylor, Artist
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Production Department
Scott Lockhart, Technical Director
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Conner Lockhart, Production
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Amanda Lockhart, Production/Photography
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Board of Directors
Kristen Neander
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Jason Short
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Jacqueline Dixon, Esq.
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Josh Houston, Esq.
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Laura Gatling-Wright
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Kelly Kell
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