Community Outreach & Engagement

At DAVA, community outreach is not a separate initiative. It is central to who we are. We believe the arts are a powerful way to bring people together, celebrate cultural traditions, and create spaces where community members feel seen, heard, and connected.

Our outreach philosophy is rooted in relationship-building, cultural exchange, and accessible creative experiences. We partner with artists, families, cultural leaders, and organizations to design programs that reflect the diverse voices of Aurora. By opening our doors for collaborative events and community-driven programming, we transform our space into a gathering place where creativity fosters belonging.

We prioritize outreach that:

  • Builds authentic relationships across cultures

  • Celebrates community traditions and heritage

  • Creates welcoming entry points to the arts

  • Amplifies youth and community voices

  • Encourages participation from families and neighbors

  • Connects art to shared cultural experiences

These values guide our signature events and community partnerships throughout the year.

Celebrating Our Neighbors

Through events like African Diplomacy and Día de los Muertos, DAVA continues to build meaningful bridges across cultures. These gatherings are not one-time celebrations. They are part of an ongoing commitment to create inclusive spaces where creativity brings people together, fosters understanding, and strengthens community connections.

We remain dedicated to expanding outreach efforts that invite new voices, celebrate cultural traditions, and ensure that our space reflects the vibrant diversity of Aurora.

African Diplomacy Community Event

In 2025, DAVA hosted a vibrant African Diplomacy community event that brought together artists, families, and cultural leaders to celebrate African traditions and contemporary creative expression. The event created space for dialogue, artistic exchange, and cross-cultural learning through hands-on artmaking, storytelling, and shared experiences.

Community members engaged in creative activities inspired by African artistic practices while connecting with neighbors and local organizations. The event reflected DAVA’s commitment to honoring cultural identity and strengthening relationships across Aurora’s diverse communities. By welcoming new audiences into our space, we expanded opportunities for collaboration and built lasting connections with families and artists.

Día de los Muertos Community Celebration

DAVA’s Día de los Muertos celebration in 2025 invited the community to honor tradition, remembrance, and cultural storytelling through art. Families, youth, and community members gathered to create ofrendas, participate in hands-on art activities, and learn about the cultural significance of the holiday.

This event transformed DAVA into a welcoming space for intergenerational connection and cultural exchange. Through music, artmaking, and shared reflection, participants celebrated loved ones and explored traditions together. The event strengthened relationships with local families and reaffirmed DAVA’s role as a cultural hub where community traditions are respected and uplifted.