NBAF (National Black Arts Festival), a non-profit organization dedicated to the celebration of the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and Turner Voices, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s signature corporate philanthropy program, are partnering once again for First Glance: Fresh Perspectives from Young Artists Teen Arts Competition. Aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters, music composers, animator, spoken word and voice over artists will showcase their skills as they compete for cash and prizes, as well an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with professionals in the film and entertainment industry.

The competition is open to teen artists, between the ages of 14 and18, in five categories including, Digital/Media Arts, Film, Script Writing, Spoken Word/Voice Over and Music Composition. The First Glance competition will be judged by professionals and celebrities in the Television, Film and Entertainment industry, during this summer’s National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta.

First Glance, now in its second year, is an opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing a career in Film, Music, Television and other parallel disciplines to experience the excitement and discipline of the industry.

“The talent along with the level of excitement, passion and creativity that we continue to see from the young people who compete in our First Glance competition underlines the vital role that the arts play in the community as a whole and certainly in the lives of young people,” shares Dr. Michael Simanga, Executive Director of NBAF. “It is critical that we continue to partner with organizations such as Turner Broadcasting to provide creative platforms that afford young people the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents for the entire world to see.”

To find out more about First Glance: Fresh Perspectives from Young Artists Teen Art Competition, visit www.nbaf.org or contact Ravi Windom at nbaffirstglance@gmail.com.

For Media Inquiries, please contact Nikki Barjon at nikki@thebarjongroup.com or 404.514.9992.


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ABOUT NBAF
NBAF is an Atlanta-based, non-profit arts and cultural organization founded in 1987. The mission of NBAF is to engage, cultivate and educate diverse audiences about the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and provide opportunities for artistic and creative expression. NBAF presents the art and culture of the African Diaspora in all arts disciplines and presentation formats including music, dance, theater, film, literary arts and visual arts. In addition, NBAF offers comprehensive educational and humanities programs year-round with the intent of providing a unique opportunity to promote understanding between diverse communities utilizing art and culture. NBAF showcases artists of African descent while exploring their impact on world cultures.

NBAF is a cultural leader renowned worldwide for showcasing the very best of the culture of the African Diaspora for more than two decades. Certified by the Georgia Department of Education to provide continuing education courses to teachers and educators, NBAF’s education program models are utilized and emulated internationally in London, Ghana and Senegal.

The United States Congress recognized NBAF’s highly-acclaimed National Black Arts Festival as “…the premier festival of its kind in the United States” (H. Res. 1286, July 23, 2008). NBAF partnered with The Consulate General of Brazil to present Brazil Fest at the National Black Arts Festival in 2010 and 2011. Over the years, NBAF has presented thousands of internationally acclaimed artists across all disciplines such as Maya Angelou, Harry Belafonte, Cicely Tyson, Alfre Woodard, Avery Brooks, Hugh Masekela, Wynton Marsalis, Pearl Cleage, Alice Walker, Sonia Sanchez, Varnette Honeywood, Radcliffe Bailey, Spike Lee, Melvin and Mario Van Peebles, Alvin Ailey, Katherine Dunham, Bill T. Jones, Phylicia Rashad, August Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Gladys Knight, The O'Jays, Ron K. Brown/Evidence, jessica care moore, Chuck D, Joi, Russell Gunn, Omar Sosa, Tito Puente, Ousamane Sembene, National Ballet de Guinea, and many others.

On the occasion of its 20th Anniversary, the U.S. Congress honored NBAF for its importance to the “…cultural fabric of greater Atlanta and all of America…” (H. Res. 1286, July 2008). Hundreds volunteer each year to support NBAF. Financial support is provided by foundations, corporations, governmental agencies and individuals in the form of partnerships, sponsorships and donations. NBAF hosts more than 300,000 patrons each year and serves more than 20,000 children through the Children’s Education Village, the Coretta Scott King Awards Book Fair and many other school-based programs. Each year NBAF generates major sources of economic impact to the areas served including Atlanta, Fulton County and the State of Georgia.