Photo credit: Bergette Photography

It has almost been a year since Elementz moved to their new home near Findlay Market in Over-the-Rhine. This new space is giving Elementz the flexibility to create, perform and highlight the talent of their students. With a full dance studio, soundproof DJ booth, two A/V studios and an art/graffiti room, the students are creating expert-level projects to help them prepare for a career in music or art.

Elementz, a thriving Urban Arts Center, has been fostering talent and inspiring possibilities for more than 800 inner-city youth in Cincinnati since 2011. What started as an after-school program to get kids off the street has become a beacon of hope to build dreams and brighter futures. Elementz, an ArtsWave Sustaining Impact Grant recipient, teaches and encourages art that comes out of urban life and experience. Their expanded list of programs includes Beats & Rhimes, Poetry & Spoken Word and Street Dance. Each uses hip hop as a way to encourage self-expression, personal growth and improved student achievement.

This spring and summer, local poets can perform with Elementz every 2nd Thursday, 5-6 p.m. during Poetry Open Mic night at Findlay Market in the Biergarten. Upcoming dates for the Open Mic are May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, & October 11. If you are interested in sharing poetry please message Jamie-Lee at Jamie-Lee@elementz.org.

Elementz also invites you to enjoy the original music, choreography and poetic words of their talented emerging artists during their FREE monthly Artist showcase, which takes place in their space the last Thursday of the month from 6-8 p.m.

Looking for even more? Elementz's creative director, Abdullah Powell, recently released a new album, "Reaching Higher," which is available here.