Mission Statement:
We provide cutting edge research, advocacy and services in the areas of performing arts, education, and social justice throughout the Phoenix community in order to promote the holistic well-being and development of its residents.
ICC History and Background
Indigo Cultural Center was founded in 2007 by Dr. Eva Marie Shivers, a proud 3rd generation South Phoenix resident. At its core, the center is committed to the study of culture, the enactment of culture, the celebration of culture, and using the strength in one's culture to make positive changes in society.
Dr. Shivers is a nationally recognized researcher on issues related to culture, community, family and child development. Prior to relocating to Arizona and founding the Indigo Cultural Center, Dr. Shivers was a faculty member in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. She received her Ph.D. from UCLA's Department of Education, Psychological Studies in Education. Dr. Shivers also holds a law degree from Howard University School of Law, and a BA in English Literature from Arizona State University.
Currently, Indigo Cultural Center has a small, committed staff who assist Dr. Shivers on numerous research projects that are under the division of the Institute for Child Development Research & Social Change. Starting in 2011, ICC begins its second phase of development by implementing several projects under the other 2 divisions: Indigo Dance Arts and Indigo Arts for Social Change.
Dr. Shivers has a dual identity as scholar and artist. She has danced professionally in Phoenix, New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. And has taught dance and musical theater in community settings for the past 27 years.
The mission of the newly developed divisions: Indigo Dance Arts and Indigo Arts for Social Change, is to support children, youth and young adults in their journey of self-expression as both artists and agents of social change.
We use a creative learning and exploration process that strives to embolden young community members to articulate their point of view on issues that matter to them; to raise awareness in others; and to inspire new action.
“People develop as participants in cultural communities. The nature of their participation constantly changes and cultural communities constantly change. Cultural, [community], and personal process create each other.”
~Barbara Rogoff (2000)
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