Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj5AbkrwwKw&list=PLOQvdw7d0cd9RZZkd2lZy2hmrnJv-cfLI&index=51
Evan: So we're back here on the Choose 954 platform, podcast episode 50, with local playwright, author, poet, nonprofit leader, overall, the guy who's top three on the Arc Rails Project and our upcoming speaker this week at AAF Creatives this Friday morning, Gilliam. For those of you that don't know about Choose 954, we started a social movement to cultivate culture and community here in our county, to keep people informed about all the great things going on within the arts and culture, in an effort to try to make this a great place to live and not just a vacation spot. The point of the podcast is to connect you with incredible people like him doing amazing things in the community. This podcast is sponsored by the Thousand Mermaids Artificial Reef Project, creating artistically crafted artificial reefs to create fish habitats, estuaries, and destinations for ecotourism, research, and tons of other environmental benefits. Find out more at www.1000mermaids.com. Without much further ado, for those that don’t know you, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Darius: Yes, absolutely. I’m a poet, playwright, and director. I run a nonprofit organization called the Holograms Project. I’m an educator, and I like to call myself an “artivist.” I try to focus a lot on social activism through my art—whether it’s a poem, a piece of songwriting I do for people, or whatever it is—I always try to make sure that what I’m doing is making an impact. I was born and bred here in Fort Lauderdale, a graduate of Boyd Anderson High School, and later the University of Florida. Go Gators! I’ve been involved in something artistic since I was probably around eight years old, when I started auditioning for commercials and movies. Around that same time, I discovered writing, and I’ve been writing ever since, telling stories and creating art ever since.
Evan: That’s awesome. And how did your journey lead you to where you are now, as an artist and educator?
Darius:: You know, life has a funny way of leading you to your purpose. I spent years teaching in public schools—middle school and then Northeast High School—and it was during that time that I realized this art thing was so much bigger than just me. It was about finding ways to provide platforms and spaces for people to share their own voices. I knew I had to focus on more than just being an individual artist; I needed to create opportunities for others as well.
Evan: And you’ve done a great job at that! I’ve seen you out there at so many events—whether it’s So Far Sounds or other art showcases. For those who aren’t familiar, can you tell us more about the Arc Rails Project and what it does?
Darius:: Absolutely! About four years ago, I started the Arc Rails Project, and our mission is to reduce barriers to access to the arts—whether through performance, education, or community engagement. A lot of times, the arts are reserved for certain people—whether because of socioeconomic status, geography, or lack of exposure. Schools are also cutting arts programming left and right, so I wanted to help fill those gaps. But not just for students; this is about making the arts accessible for everyone. We bring art to people without the million-dollar price tag.
Evan: That’s such an important mission. You’re really impacting a wide range of people, from students to adults. What’s one of the most rewarding success stories from your work with the Arc Rails Project?
Darius:: One that stands out is this young man named Marni. He’s a poet, rapper, singer, and songwriter—kind of like Drake, but cooler! I started working with him when he was a senior in high school, and to see how he’s blossomed has been incredible. He’s now at a point where he can command a stage on his own, whether it’s hosting or performing. He’s fully invested in pursuing his artistic career, and that’s been so rewarding to see.
Evan: That’s amazing. You’ve really helped him unlock his potential. And you mentioned working with a wide age range, even seniors. What’s it like working with senior citizens in your workshops?
Darius:: It’s been one of the most fun and fulfilling experiences. The stories they tell are just incredible. They bring so much life experience, and it’s amazing to see how art can connect people, no matter their age. Art really is something that unites us all, and it’s so important to give everyone the chance to express themselves creatively.
Evan: Absolutely, and it’s clear you’re creating a community where art is for everyone. What’s next for the Arc Rails Project? Any upcoming events or programs we should know about?
Darius:: Yes, we have our quarterly City Block Party events, where we take art to different parts of Broward County. It’s like an artistic family reunion with live performances, vendors, and visual artists. We curate the events with local talent from each city we visit, making it a true cultural exchange. We’re also continuing our workshops and performances, so there’s always something happening.
Darius:: Yes, we started off doing an event in the session on period costs. Out of these sessions, we started a monthly event where we basically set up in the city where the people are and brought artistic and creative excellence. The whole idea is to bring this to people so they don’t have to go anywhere—just look out your back window, come outside, and you’re welcome. We have amazing performers, live visual artists painting, and vendors set up. It’s like an artistic family reunion.
Evan: That’s a great concept. How long did you run that event?
Darius:: We did that with the housing authority for about a year and a half. My thought was, this is great for this particular area, but Broward County is vast. So I wanted to take that model and move it around, taking it to different places. That’s how we came up with the concept of the City Block Party, which is a quarterly event we do in various cities throughout Broward County. We’ve done one in Lauderhill, another in Pompano, and we have one coming up in Fort Lauderdale near the Port of Cisco, and another one in Sunrise. These events are spread out over the next six months.
Evan: That sounds like an awesome way to spread the arts throughout the community. How do you choose the artists and performers?
Darius:: We try to pull from the local talent in each city, curating the experience in connection with what’s happening in that area. We utilize artists from that city—both performing artists and visual artists—and give them a platform to share their work. It’s also about bringing people from other parts of the county to that city, creating a cultural exchange between the city and the broader tri-county area, including Miami and Palm Beach.
Evan: That’s incredible. You’re giving artists a voice and connecting communities in the process. Do you have any supporters or partners you’d like to acknowledge?
Darius:: Absolutely! We’d be remiss not to plug our supporters, like the Broward Cultural Division, who have been big supporters of what we do with the City Block Party, as well as other projects. We’ve also received great support from the Community Foundation of Broward and the ArtsServe residency. These institutions have been instrumental in helping us cultivate the arts here in Broward, and we’re very grateful for their support.
Evan: It’s great to hear about the community support. So what’s next on your calendar? Where can people see you speak or participate in upcoming events?
Darius:: Well, if this podcast airs tonight, make sure you come out tomorrow! I’ll be reading some poems and talking a bit more in-depth. We also host a couple of open mics, like “Respect the Mic” at my fantasy studio every last Thursday of the month. We’ve also started offering classes and workshops, from dance classes to acting and creative writing classes for both youth and adults. You can check out our full schedule on our website or Instagram.
Evan: That’s fantastic. You’ve got so many ways for people to get involved. And it’s clear that building community through art is at the heart of everything you do.
Darius:: Definitely. It’s all about community impact through artistic endeavors. We’re always looking to collaborate and make things happen for the greater good. Our mission is to make sure that everyone, from the elderly woman on a fixed income to the attorney living in Victoria Park, can experience art in meaningful ways.
Evan: That’s such an important mission. And it’s clear that you’re reaching people from all walks of life. Speaking of collaborations, do you have any exciting partnerships coming up?
Darius:: Yes! We’re collaborating with artist Adam Dali, the founder of the Social Moralism movement, for an event on the 30th at Steve Johnson’s gallery in West Palm. It’s going to be amazing! I can’t give away all the surprises, but trust me, it’s going to be a dope experience with great art and community engagement.
Evan: That sounds like an event people won’t want to miss. And even though it’s not in Broward, it’s still part of the broader South Florida arts scene.
Darius:: Exactly. We’re all connected, and we’ll be bringing Broward-based artists up there as well. So even if it’s not in the 954, it’s still supporting local artists.
Evan: So many amazing things happening! And on top of all that, you’re also involved in the monthly Creatives' Breakfast Series, right?
Darius:: Yes, every second Friday of the month, we host Creatives Ed, a monthly breakfast lecture series. It’s like a mini TED talk for the creative community. We provide coffee, breakfast bites, and a space for networking with like-minded creative individuals. It’s a great way to connect and spark new ideas.
Evan: That’s such a valuable resource for the creative community. How can people support all the great work you’re doing?
Darius:: Honestly, the best way to support is to come out to events. Your presence matters! Of course, we always appreciate donations, which can be made through our website. Every cent goes toward making an impact in the community. We also need volunteers, so if anyone has skills they want to contribute, we’d love to hear from you. You can find all the info on our website and Instagram.
Evan: Fantastic. And where can people find more about your personal work?
Darius:: You can follow my personal Instagram, check out my poetry on my website, or find my YouTube page. I also have a book called And the Walls Came Tumbling, which you can order online or grab at one of our events. I’ll even sign it for you if I see you in person!
Evan: That’s awesome! So many ways for people to connect and support. It’s clear you’re making a huge impact in the arts community. Keep up the amazing work, and we look forward to seeing everything you’ve got coming up.
Comments