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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Devon Mercurius, Senior Director of Programs at Reel Works
5:22:52
ยท
82 sec
Devon Mercurius from Reel Works, a filmmaking nonprofit in Brooklyn, testified about their free arts education programs for K-12 students across New York City. He emphasized the importance of arts education in developing both technical and life skills, and how it contributes to innovation and prepares students for future careers.
- Reel Works has served thousands of students over 24 years, producing award-winning student films and documentaries.
- Their workforce readiness program, Media Makers, has led to successful careers in film and television for hundreds of students.
- Mercurius stressed that investing in arts education is investing in the future, drawing parallels between artistic imagination and technological advancements.
Devon Mercurius
5:22:52
Good afternoon madam chairwoman and esteemed committee members.
5:22:55
My name is Devon McCurious and I serve as the senior director of programs at RealWorks.
5:23:00
RealWorks is a filmmaking and storytelling nonprofit based in Gowanus, Brooklyn.
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I oversee teams that have led free arts education programs serving k through 12 students across New York City for twenty four years from our Brooklyn office to schools in every borough year round.
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Throughout those years, we have served thousands of students guided by our belief, change the storytellers, change the world.
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Our students have written, directed, crude, and produced award winning student documentaries, narrative films, and animations.
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Thanks to our workforce readiness program, media makers, hundreds have gone on to successful careers in film and television.
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A comprehensive education should prepare students to provide for themselves and contribute to society.
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At RealWorks, students gain both technical skills, camera operation, video editing, sound production, cinematography, and essential life skills like collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
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RealWorks is part of a larger arts education community that serves our great city offering vital programs and creative spaces for youth including English language learners and newer divergent participants.
5:23:57
The arts have always been a foundation of innovation and strength.
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Before we could fly, we drew it inspiring engineers.
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Before we landed on the moon, we wrote about it inspiring astronauts.
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Before smart devices became a reality, we imagined it on the screen showing the world what was possible.
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Investing in art education is investing in the future.
5:24:14
Thank you.