Nomad Lab, collaborative community-based project, Newhall, CA
Ongoing
Founded in 2010, NOMAD LAB is a laboratory of creativity, collaboration and community for youth and their families, located in the heart of the Valle del Oro neighborhood in Newhall, Santa Clarita. NOMAD LAB designs and implements free inclusive arts, capacity building and leadership programs to address the rise in criminal activity in the neighborhood, and to offer a safe forum for dialogue, learning and community engagement. NOMAD LAB’s multigenerational and multi-locational programming makes use of vacant apartments available in the community. It moves to different locations throughout the neighborhood as the apartments it occupies become rented, hence the “nomadic” nature of its programs. NOMAD LAB is a truly collaborative project that relies on the passion, commitment and strong partnerships with community youth, parents, teaching artists, property managers, policy makers, and City staff. Through its inclusive and innovative pedagogical approach and community-based programs, NOMAD LAB aims to be a laboratory for “home-grown” change.
Beyond its impact in the Valle del Oro community, NOMAD LAB plans to continue to work closely with policy makers, City staff, community organizers, and educators to design neighborhood-specific inclusive and integrated alternatives to traditional gang-suppression and graffiti abatement strategies. NOMAD LAB is committed to developing a community organizing and engagement model that can be successfully replicated and implemented in other low and moderate-income rental communities in Los Angeles County dealing with issues of neighborhood violence and intolerance.
Project Partners:
City of Santa Clarita, Community Services Division: Cynthia Llerenas and Hope Horner
GHP Management/The Village Management Staff
Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission
Mc Grath Elementary School
Project website: http://vdonomadlab.blogspot.com/
