Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson Dr. Arun Gandhi will spend the week of Sept. 17-21 in Chattanooga as a part of ”A City Moving Toward a Season for Nonviolence.” Dr. Gandhi carries on the work of Mahatma Gandhi teaching his message of nonviolence in cities around the world. There are a number of city wide events planned for Dr. Gandhi’s visit.
On Tuesday Sept. 18 from 10:30-11:15 a.m. The Salvation Army’s 614 Corps will have the opportunity to share with the community their vision for Arts programming at ReCreate Café. The primary purpose of ReCreate Cafe is “to be a safe haven for the homeless during the day when shelters are closed, meeting physical, social, and spiritual needs without discrimination.” The Arts Program provides opportunities for homeless citizens to engage in creative activities with the hope of adding dignity, inspiration, and fun to their lives. The Arts Program also reaches out to Chattanooga’s Artists to offer ReCreate Café as a venue for events.
Tenika Dye, the Artistic Director of ReCreate Café said: “We are trying to bridge Chattanooga's homeless citizens with area artists and arts patrons through our creative events. The Arts have a way of helping us to see that we are more the same than different.”
It is because of one of these artistic events that The Salvation Army has been invited to participate in Dr. Gandhi’s visit. Missy Crutchfield and Melissa Turner from the Education, Arts, and Culture office attended a one of the 6 sold out performances of ReCreate Café’s production of GODSPELL in July, which had both homeless and non-homeless cast members. Approximately 525 people saw the production with close to 100 people being from the homeless community. Cast members of Godspell along with other regular attendees of the ReCreate Café’s programming will be sharing the song “Beautiful City”. ReCreate Café’s staff and volunteers will be sharing details about the Arts Program, highlighting future events, including next theatre project, which will incorporate “Theatre of the Oppressed” techniques.
This event is free and open to the public.