StoryGrowing WNY 2027 Kickoff
StoryGrowing WNY is a communications skill building program presented by the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York and The John R. Oishei Foundation. Over the course of six sessions, you’ll learn how to articulate what your organization does, who it serves, and why that’s so valuable.
StoryGrowing WNY starts with a free event open to all organizations interested in applying. The application period opens that day.
Aitina Fareed-Cooke, founder of Get Fokus’d Productions and Buffalo’s Poet Laureate, will open with a talk on speaking your truth and using your voice to shift the conversations that matter to your organization.
Silo Series Reading Series
Aitina Fareed-Cooke / A.I. The Anomaly joins the Silo City Reading Series on June 27 as a featured musical performer, bringing her signature blend of sound and storytelling to an evening centered on poetry, gratitude, and reflection. Alongside Ross Gay and community readers, her performance adds a rich, multidisciplinary layer to the experience.
A.I. The Anomaly Live at Larkin Square
Aitina Fareed-Cooke, known as A.I. The Anomaly, brings her powerful blend of music, poetry, and storytelling to Larkin Square on Tuesday, June 9 at 5 PM during Food Truck Tuesdays. An award-winning artist, poet laureate, and founder of Get Fokus’d Productions, A.I. uses her work to inspire human connection, personal power, and encouragement for Buffalo and beyond.
Vision & Verse - Workshop
An interactive community celebration of Black History through art & prose with food and music at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.
The Creative Problem Solvers Series: Poet Tree of Light
3rd–5th graders design messages of encouragement for families in need, with perspective and empathy prompts. Winter essentials are provided to families in need.
The Creative Problem Solvers series allows 3rd-5th graders the opportunity to become creative problem solvers! Participants will use the creative arts to solve problems while developing Critical Thinking, Innovation,Collaboration, Planning, Reflection & Presentation skills.
The Creative Problem Solvers Series: Tower of Gratitude
3rd–5th graders engage in creative problem solving, collaboration, and growth mindset through LEGO, Magna-Tiles, and storytelling activities.
The Creative Problem Solvers series allows 3rd-5th graders the opportunity to become creative problem solvers! Participants will use the creative arts to solve problems while developing Critical Thinking, Innovation,Collaboration, Planning, Reflection & Presentation skills.
Post Production Diversity Initiative Program (Application Open)
Get Fokus’d Productions & The Creative Arts Strategist are in collaboration with Buffalo State University and their Post Production Diversity Initiative.
PPDI is a one-year program that prepares 22 participants from diverse backgrounds for entry-level careers in video editing and audio mixing in the highly competitive music, video, and media industries.
Aitina Fareed-Cooke is in support of their marketing efforts and providing Creative Portfolio workshops.
Applications for the Post Production Diversity Initiative (PPDI) 2025-2026 are now open! Apply now!!
*Applications due by Monday, September 15th at midnight
Photos by: Kalvin Booker / Through His Lens Photography - in collaboration with Get Fokus’d Productions
Jesse Steffan-Colucci, Buffalo State photographer
In collaboration with:
Buffalo State University
Avid
Motion Picture Editors Guild, I.A.T.S.E. Local 700
Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center
Get Fokus’d Productions
GCR audio
