Aitina Fareed-Cooke is The Creative Arts Strategist

My life is a creative adventure where I explore and share human stories through visual and literary arts provoking dialogue meant to ignite thought and expand perspectives.

My desire is to shatter stereotypes and cultivate unity by sharing human experiences that nourish the 5 determinants of health.

— Aitina Fareed-Cooke

Ways I Work

  • As the founder of Get Fokus'd Productions, I leverage the creative arts to manage and direct visual projects, helping organizations and entrepreneurs showcase their community impact through digital storytelling.

  • As a creative writer and performer, I use literary arts to share ideas that encourage thought and inspire conversations to promote empathy and unity in the community. I serve as the Buffalo Poet Laureate, speaker, and national recording artist.

  • As a creative consultant and educator, I conduct one-on-one sessions and group workshops that support ideation for community organizations. I work in collaboration with clients to develop actionable plans focused on arts, education, entrepreneurship, youth development, and connecting creatives with the community.

Creative Arts Workshops

  • Program focuses on exploring stories through hands-on creative art-based activities, such as photography, video productions, creative writing, sound design, and public speaking.

    Through these activities, participants will develop critical social and emotional skills that will enhance their personal growth and academic success.

    Available as a Single Session or Full Series (4-8 Sessions)

    Age: Elementary, Middle, High-School & Adult

    Capacity: 10-12

  • Learn the basics of photography while exploring your surroundings whether within a neighborhood or space.

    Available as a Single Session or Full Series (4-8 Sessions)

    Age: Elementary, Middle, High-School & Adult

    Capacity: 10-12

  • The Art of Lyricism: Crafting Stories Through Hip Hop", is a workshop designed to unlock your lyrical potential. This workshop is perfect for emerging songwriters, poets, and storytellers who want to dive into the art of writing captivating, evocative lyrics that resonate with listeners.

    Through a combination of theoretical insight, practical exercises, and interactive discussions, attendees will learn the fundamentals of lyric writing, from crafting beautiful imagery and narratives to developing rhythm and rhyme. 

    Available as a Single Session or Full Series (4-8 Sessions)

    Age: High-School & Adult

    Capacity: 10-15

  • For those who don’t have a budget for a fancy camera, guess what? One of the most powerful capturing tools could be right in your purse or your back pocket!  Through a variety of hands-on activities, explore how to capture, enhance and share images and become a better smartphone photographer!

    Available as a Single Session or Full Series (4-8 Sessions)

    Age: Elementary, Middle, High-School & Adult

    Capacity: 10-15

Schedule a Creative Consultation

Aitina Fareed-Cooke offers a unique opportunities to dive deep into your creative aspirations and uncover the clarity you desire. During this engaging and stimulating consultation, you will gain invaluable insights and actionable strategies to propel your projects forward with confidence and purpose.

About Me

I was told at a young age that I would be a "failure to thrive" as a result of my biological mother's substance use disorder. Due to addiction and substance misuse, our mother passed away. I refused to be defined by a system that diagnosed me as “emotionally handicapped” and labeled me a “failure to thrive”. Instead, I found solace and empowerment through my faith in God and my voice within the creative arts, which gave me the power to rewriting my own narrative.

I have designed a creative career which enables me to educate others, generate revenue for emerging artists, showcase exhibitions, perform, present and speak about my journey from foster care to freedom through the creative arts.

Aitina is Buffalo's current Poet Laureate, a National Recording Artist, and the founder of Get Fokus'd Productions (GFP), an award-winning media arts company. For nearly two decades, she has secured grants for community based creative projects, fostering collaboration among various organizations and emerging artists. Over the last few years, her creative strategies lead GFP to generate nearly $500,000 for community projects, with almost 30% supporting hundreds of artists.

Join the Journey

Contact Us

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