Think of your favorite spaces in your city. Do they have space for students to learn and be creative? Are they open to the community to experience art? Does it provide opportunities for families to watch their students prepare for life after high school – as an artist? One of my favorite spaces in San Antonio does and has all of this. It’s SAY Sí.
In a nutshell, SAY Sí is an innovative and creative learning space for San Antonio’s youth where they are valued as artists. Tuition is free. SAY Sí current programs consist of Visual Arts, ALAS (theatre program), HIVE (Home for Innovation and Video Ecology), MAS (Media Arts Studio), and more. It’s open to middle school and high school students. And, did I mention it’s all free?
Last year, my son and I ran into a member of SAY Sí’s staff at the movies. In conversation, I realized that my son was finally the age to apply for the program. My son had already been creating his own art. He was also using various programs to create videos. And, of course, he was familiar with SAY Sí because of our numerous visits over the years. When students apply, they must go through an interview process. I was so proud of my son as I watched and listened to him get through his interview. We celebrated as a family when he was accepted. We officially became a part of the SAY Sí familia.
Celebrate Día de Muertos with an International Perspective at SAY Sí San Antonio
SAY Sí is Moving to the Westside
SAY Sí is 25 years strong. In its mission to serve the community, it’s time for it to grow into a new building. SAY Sí recently announced that they would be moving from San Antonio’s Southtown to San Antonio’s Westside. The new building is a former industrial warehouse and at 98,00 square feet, it is four times larger than its current home.
“SAY Sí has been a constant source of pride for District 5. With the organization’s long track record of success and its strong commitment to community partnerships, we are excited about the endless possibilities of this move into our historic Westside,” said San Antonio Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales. “We welcome SAY Sí to our Westside community and into 78207.”
That space will transform and fill up quickly as SAY Sí is adding new programs such as journalism, culinary arts, and digital music composition. Plus, there will be a garden on-site to supply food for the culinary arts program. Imagine what these students will get to experience at the new campus!
Serving at SAY Sí
None of this is possible without the support of the community, generous donors, staff and the Board of Directors. Speaking of the Board of Directors, I have my own announcement. Along with being a SAY Sí parent, I will also be a Board Member starting in January 2020. Joining the board couldn’t come at a more exciting time. On a personal note, 2019 has been a year of preparation for what’s to come. I completed the Latina Leadership Institute (a San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce program) for these exact reasons – to serve my community in a new way. Service on the SAY Sí Board is the perfect way to begin.
So, Queridos, I hope you will join me in supporting this important organization that is shaping our future through our young artists. Y no te precupes, I’ll have plenty of fundraisers and volunteer opportunities for you to be a part of. Learn more at saysi.org.
