In a bid to enrich the cultural fabric of Peoria and Glendale, Dr. Lydia Woods, Sun City resident and founder of Drum Arizona, Inc., has been awarded four new Arts and Culture Grants for the upcoming fiscal year (2024-25). These grants will allow Drum Arizona to continue its mission of sharing Native and African American cultural traditions with the residents of these two cities.
Drum Arizona, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization has previously been recognized for its efforts in community engagement with previous Art and Culture grants awarded by both the City of Peoria and the City of Glendale. Under the leadership of Woods, her organization has offered 50-participant drum circles in the month of November in honor of Native American Cultural Heritage month and also for African American History month and MLK day with African Djembe drum circles. These events are designed not only be hands-on but also to educate and foster cultural understanding among participants.
Drum Arizona has offered free drum circles and opportunities for Sun City residents to volunteer to make and paint Native Drums for children who have experienced trauma for the past nine years. These are free monthly activities held at Lakeview United Methodist Church. To date, Drum Arizona has given away over 750 drums to children and seeks to give away 1,000 drums by the end of 2024.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our cultural offerings in Peoria and Glendale,” remarked Woods. “Our goal is to create meaningful connections through the universal language of music/drumming and to celebrate the diversity of traditions that enrich our communities.”
In addition to the drum circle events, Drum Arizona will offer Peoria residents the unique opportunity to make and paint their own 14” Native American drums. This hands-on experience can not only deepen participants’ understanding of Native American culture but also allows them to create a tangible connection to the traditions they are exploring.
Furthermore, as part of the City of Peoria’s commitment to community service, Drum Arizona plans to engage volunteers in making and painting 100 drums specifically designed for children who have faced adversity. These drums will be distributed to young individuals who have experienced trauma such as hospitalization, homelessness, foster care, disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds. This initiative not only provides a creative outlet for volunteers but also aims to bring joy and comfort to children in challenging circumstances.
The inclusion of these enrichment activities in Drum Arizona’s grant proposals underscores their commitment to holistic community engagement. By offering both educational experiences and opportunities for meaningful volunteerism, Drum Arizona seeks to create a lasting impact on the social and cultural fabric of Peoria and Glendale.
The Art and Culture Grants awarded to Drum Arizona represent a significant endorsement of Peoria and Glendale’s efforts to promote cultural exchange and appreciation within the region. By bringing together residents to participate in these interactive activities, both cities have created a platform where individuals can engage with others in learning Native American and African American cultural heritage.
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