"Your project is very engaging and important and promises to bridge gaps between nations of all sorts who share this continent," Alan Taylor, Pulitzer Prize winning historian. 


The Arts Across the Waters (AAW) program is connecting youth throughout the Great Lakes region by identifying a shared history and promoting cultural exchange activities. The initial focus of the program is to engage communities in commemorating the War of 1812 bicentennial from 2012- 2015, through unique collaborations between arts and cultural leaders from the United States and Canada, and Native American Tribes and First Nations.

AAW is enhancing Great Lakes educational programming through:

1. development of arts-related curriculum and activities, providing teachers and communities with rich resources to identify a shared history;
2. hands-on programming in communities with cross-border cities to encourage artistic exchange among youth; and
3. an interactive online environment employing innovative technologies to disseminate materials, event information, and resources while providing a platform for live exchange among communities.

Download program flyer

Our Mission: Arts Across the Waters (AAW) seeks to facilitate cultural exchange and to promote the arts and humanities among all youth throughout the Great Lakes region.

 
In addition to the projects listed on the website, the following are some prograns we would like to see developed:
 
·        
Mural projects
·        
Songwriter Mentor Network
·        
An online anthology for K through College
·        
A Great Lakes Youth Advisory Committee