What We Do AVA's Services

Director Bess O'Brien talks about her vision of AVA and what it does

It was 1992 when I first decided to create the theater production Journey into Courage with a group of women who had survived domestic violence, since then I’ve been interested in raising the voices of the overlooked and underserved. In an effort to create transformative grassroots community action I have committed myself to telling stories that evoke thought and emotion, highlighting issues that oftentimes lie shamefully dormant waiting for a platform for which to be told. Eighteen years later I am dedicated more than ever to the idea that everyone’s story is important and vital to the health of our communities. With fresh energy and assurance KCP and I are thrilled to announce my newest venture, the Institute for Arts, Voice, Action.

Only when dialogues begins, attitudes change and paradigms shift will there be a place for action steps that help to bring about real community change. I will use the Institute for Arts, Voice, Action as the catalyst to bring art and community together. Collectively with the help of local partners I will strive to create projects that help breed empathy and understanding around issues that need a strong voice.

I hope you will join on for this exciting new venture.

Sincerely,

Bess O’Brien-Producer

What we offer:

1. AVA Statewide 1-2 year Project:
AVA is available to produce a statewide project that investigates a relevant and timely issue facing Vermont. AVA will work with a organization(s) to:
• Create and development a research phase,
• Execute an original film, theater or other performing arts production,
• Produce a statewide tour,
• Produce educational material and curriculum that reflect the project

2. AVA Community Project and Residency:
AVA is available to produce smaller scale projects that are designed to accommodate a shorter timeline and more modest budget. Let’s talk further to work around your goals.

3. AVA Training and Consulting:
AVA staff are available to train and provide ideas and artistic consulting on a project that you would like to implement yourself within your organization or community. We provide:
One day, and three day guided workshops that will enable an organization to implement an arts/voice/action project of your own.

4. AVA Screenings and Discussion:
Bess O’Brien and Jay Craven are available to screen past and present AVA productions. Screenings and discussions can bring awareness to a subject matter and provide a launching pad for dialogue and action steps in your town or organization. For a list of our available films click on Our Films above.

5. AVA Educational Film Packages:
AVA films and educational packages can be purchased for use as an educational tool for schools and non-profits.

How You can take the first step:
Do you have an idea? Is there an issue that your organization or town is grappling with? Are you looking for an innovative way to talk about something that is important to your community? Do you want to raise awareness around an important topic?Do you want to impact Vermont? Call us! We are here to help. We are here to Listen!
We will work with you to create a dynamic project that speaks to your important issue and will raise awareness.

Contact Information:
Director, Bess O’Brien
The Institute of Arts Voice Action:
KCP
Phone: 802-357-4616
Email: bobrien@pshift.com