ABOUT
As Bellevue, Washington’s premier provider of socially relevant artistic programming, VCBynum Arts and Education's We Inspire Humanity program curates creative works and classes that empower, educate, and transform. We believe in celebrating our cultural differences by amplifying the voices of the African diaspora and other communities of color.
Artists honor our Ancestors by sharing a narrative of truth. We can only move forward when we acknowledge the realities of the past.
- Vania C. Bynum, Founder & Artistic Director
Founded With a Purpose
VCBynums Art & Education’s mission is to engage our community through the power of art, education, and stories that deepen our connection to African American culture. By nurturing diversity in the arts, we uplift the voices of all artists and initiate public support for our most challenging societal issues, serving as a catalyst for overcoming them.
Core Values
01
Dream with determination and inspire others:
We encourage creativity, imagination, and the fearless pursuit of dreams. Through self-discipline, mastery, and dedication dreams can be achieved.
02
Foster cultural connection:
The sustainability of our work is greatly dependent on our ability to connect artists of color. Through culturally relevant and equitable programming we can unite despite barriers, strengthening the social fabric of our displaced village.
03
Honor and cherish our diversity:
We genuinely treasure the mosaic of ideas, cultures, and people, as it underpins our very essence. Through art, dialogue, and fostering meaningful connections, we witness the remarkable expansion of humanity and the endless realm of possibilities.
04
Blend our social awareness with artistic excellence:
We believe in the transformational power of the arts to ignite conversations and serve as a catalyst for change. We seek to unite and balance our strong dedication to social responsibility with our unwavering pursuit of artistic mastery.
05
Practice respect, integrity, civility, and transparency:
To realize our aspirations, we must actively implement these values in all our engagements, treating one another, our artists, audiences, students, and neighbors with respect, integrity, civility, and transparency.
06
Be responsible and efficient with resources:
We are grateful to receive generous contributions from our sponsor organizations, donors, and partners along with the support of our community. It is our highest priority to thoughtfully and effectively use our resources in service of the organization, students, artists, and audiences.
Land Acknowledgement
VCBynum Arts and Education acknowledges that we live and work on the unceded, traditional land of the Coast Salish Peoples, which includes but is not limited to the Snoqualmie, Suquamish, Duwamish, Nisqually, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot tribes. We appreciate and honor the original residents of this land and stand in solidarity with them against long-standing inequities and systemic oppression. We are committed to building enduring relationships and striving together to achieve just, equitable, and impactful change.