Our Story
Mission
Edison Arts Foundation will offer a place where people can engage in arts and cultural exchange and programing; education and healthcare, dance, music and theater arts; meet new people, shop and live; have fun and feel comfortable with renewed civic and community pride. We will offer varied cultural and arts programs that will include after school and summer programs to seasonal plays and multiple annual events. With the plan acquisition and renovation of the former Kroger Shopping Center , we will expand its mission to “Strengthening the Family. Bridging the Community and Developing the Arts”. through a much needed comprehensive economic community revitalization project -Edison Arts & Cultural Center Project.
Purpose:
The Edison Arts Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit fine arts organization, established for the educational and charitable purpose of producing and developing cultural and performing arts programs for children, adults, and families throughout the community. The renovation of the old blighted Kroger/ Willowridge Commons Shopping Center through the creation of the Edison Arts & Cultural Center Project will give children, adults and family an environment to display the creative side, through visual and performing arts and educational programs. While also provide excess to affordable housing (Edison Lofts), and much needed healthcare and job opportunities.
The People Served:
Edison Arts Foundation - Arts & Culture Community Center Project will be located in Fort Bend/Houston and primarily serves individuals residing within East Fort Bend County/Houston area. The U.S. Census and Housing and Urban Development has determined some of this area as being in need of services for low to moderate income individuals and families. Also, through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 two adjacent Census Tracts were designated low-income “Opportunity Zones.” A 2019 analysis by ANI (Advocacy Now Institute, Inc.) a non-profit community organization, stated that “91% of the students in the area Willowridge Feeder Pattern (FBISD) are classified economically disadvantaged. Over 500 students are in special education classes. Over 200 students are classified as emotionally and intellectually disturbed. There is also an average 42% annual transition rate for the near by elementary schools.
The Edison Arts Foundation will ensure that individual youth and adults participants will receive much needed resources that would allow them to participate in a educational and fine arts programs, and much needed healthcare and stabilized housing options that would encourage them to become active and engaged by exposing them to an educational enriched and healthier environment. Many of East Fort Bend/Houston undeserved youth and teens and family face quality of life issues and problems due to the inability to obtain quality and affordable activities and learning enrichment program because of insufficient funds, and historical inadequate methods for physical exercise. The programs and services at the Edison Arts & Cultural Center will provide ongoing access to physical and educational activities through different forms of dance (Ballet, Tap, and Jazz & Hip Hop), theatre and musical & visual arts and educational enrichment through our After School and Summer arts programs that provide reading and writing homework assistance. This enables the kids and our instructors to assess individual success; physically, emotionally, and/or psycho social conditions; and to determine if the ARTS are making a difference in their life, school and their overall outlook of their community. It is projected that these programs and services with impact over a 150 economic disadvantage youth on a weekly bases.
According to the information published by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Fort Bend County had a total population of 585,375 for the year 2010 and grow approximately to 723,713 by the year 2017. The Fort Bend/ Houston had a total population of 39,239 in the year 2017. Edison Arts Foundation, through the Edison Arts & Cultural Center Project, hopes to create a place to learn, work and live, in this fast growing population of Houston and Fort Bend County area that create renewed community of civic engagement and cultural proud that would make it an example of an impactful placemaking project with the arts at its core.