Bi-Okoto Cultural Institute

Introduction: Bi-Okoto (pronounced Bee-O-Ko-Toe) Cultural Institute, based in the Pleasant Ridge community of Cincinnati, Ohio, was established in August 1994 and is incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit multicultural arts education performing organization that presents a repertoire of over 90 authentic traditional dances, music, dance dramas, operas and new contemporary works from Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Congo, Kenya and South Africa. Our mission is to preserve traditional African drum and dance heritage and promote cultural understanding by educating audiences of all ages about African countries through language, music and movement for a better appreciation of diversity. During 2013, Bi-Okoto reached over 180,000 adults and children in 48 states with a wide range of programming for children, adults and seniors. Here are some things you need to know about Bi-Okoto programming. Our educational touring performances and programs integrate arts curriculum as a way of therapy, improving critical thinking skills and understanding differences. We offer lecture demonstrations, movement and music workshops, customize and facilitate drum circles, and master classes for performing arts school and universities. At Bi-Okoto Cultural Center, we have four annual dance drama productions for the public and school time samplers for schools and homeschool organizations. Our annual festivals are The Harvest Festival in October and the Heritage Festival in December celebrating African and African-American Heritage (Kwanzaa). The Images of Afrika Summer Camp and the Tolongo After-School Program for students ages six to 12 to work with artists from Nigeria, Ghana and Guinea. We have weekly classes for adults and children in African drumming, dance, traditional African languages, cooking, art, theater, modern dance, Zumba, yoga, Afro-Peruvian dance, salsa and martial arts. Children ages five to 17 are admitted at no charge. We have national and international touring programs. Artability programs are structured performances and art therapy workshops that foster creativity in adults and children who are physically, mentally, behaviorally and socially challenged. These programs are conducted through Creative Aging (formerly Arts and Humanities Resources Center of older adults) for the senior communities and adult day care facilities, Stepping Stones, Children's Hospital, Shiner's Burns and Board of MRDD. Our E Wa Josin come and worship presentation is a delightful experience embracing cultural and spiritual similarities and bridging the gap of differences. We present workshops to congregations by teaching worship songs (in multiple languages), instrumentation or praise dance movements and/or give a performance with audience participation during your service. E Sin Mi D'Afrika Residency works with 10 Greater Cincinnati Schools servicing 1500 students, teachers and parents over a 10-month period that consist of teacher training, multiple classroom visits and a culminating showcase. In addition, Bi-Okoto arts education instruction and programs are utilized throughout the state of Kentucky that integrates KERA West African core content. Bi-Okoto artists serve on the Arts Academy Faculty (intensive Arts and Humanities instruction for pre-K though college teachers) for the Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Arts Council, Kentucky Center for Performing Arts and KET "the only non-Kentucky faculty and featured in the dance and music arts tool kits, CD and DVD. Bi-Okoto artists and instructors have performed nationally in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, McDonald's commercial spots, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. They have toured internationally representing Nigeria in South Korea's Youth Festival, Presidential welcomes in Italy, Bulgaria and France. Since 2003, Bi-Okoto received the high honor as the only African dance company in the United States selected by the United States Department of Defense Armed Forces Entertainment for a five-and-a-half week military tour of Europe. Seven artists from the organization toured the United Kingdom, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, Iceland and Germany presenting 35 performances in 30 different cities. Bi-Okoto's arts education programs serve as national cultural partnerships within the community seeking an in-depth knowledge of African culture integrated in their everyday curriculum.