Diversity, culture embody spirit of performing arts center

Its studios are alive daily with the sights and sounds of flamenco, hip hop, a song, a strum and a beat, so there’ll be plenty of spirited performances this fall to put COMPAS in a mood to celebrate its second anniversary. 

The Center of Music and Performing Arts Southwest has accomplished much since its founding in September 2007. However, those who have invested, participated and grown to love the center are looking ahead. They view the two-year mark as a time for more rehearsals. Save the curtain call, this center is about classes, cultural expression and community.

Gabriel Herrera-Duran stands in front of his grandfather's image at the Arab American Museum's Connecting Communities Exhibit. Ismael Duran Galfano is the executive director of the COMPAS Center. 

It begins with program diversity that presents an opportunity for anyone to receive an introduction to the arts, with workshops that range from dance, music and theatre. It sustains through a collaborative spirit that unites the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA), leading cultural organizations and funders that help to expand revenue sources that make the center less vulnerable to economic realities in southeast Michigan.

COMPAS shines through the founding vision of the SDBA, which saw potential in its makeover of the Odd Fellows Building on West Vernor.

“They were going to renovate, and one of the things they thought was that there was a need for a center like the one we have,” says COMPAS executive director Ismael Duran Galfano. The SDBA and a collective of cultural organizations, including Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, Living Arts of Detroit, La Chispa and Company, the Penny Godboldo Institute, and Heritage Works of Detroit, have addressed a need and developed a niche with a commitment to provide 65 percent Latino programming.

“Our main mission is to offer programs that will enhance our community with Latino culture, so our kids don’t lose their heritage or relation to the country that they came from – whether it’s Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba or Latin America,” says Galfano. “But one of the beautiful things about COMPAS is the very diverse array of classes. We go from ballet to African American dance to flamenco and Mexican folklore to Brazilian and Latin American.”

Through a new membership in the National Association of Latino Arts & Culture, COMPAS intends to be active in an emerging cultural exchange program, Transnational Cultural Remittance, designed to increase understanding, support and recognition of the impact of continued migration and connection between Mexico, Central America and the United States.

Here at home, the impact of the performing arts center on children and families can be measured in the soaring response to the dance, music and theatrical programs it offers. Despite a deepening recession, participation in the fall/winter performing arts courses grew to 400 last year, which was followed by a summer session that served 150 students, twice as many as the previous summer.

“We are building a community ... building a family around COMPAS. It takes awhile for Latinos to really trust you with their kids. Parents are coming in asking about classes and they are very supportive. They feel that this is their center and if they want to do something special, they can do it,” says Galfano.

As a third season of fall/winter classes begins, Galfano adds that the challenge is to continue growing, with an eye on expanding courses to a twice-a-week schedule.

“We are looking to make a serious impact on a kid’s life into the arts by accommodating with two days a week courses [that] will increase the quality of the programs. It will put them on course to pursue a higher level of study in high school and college.”

At a time when even a small cost of $25 to $30 a month can be difficult for many lower-income families, COMPAS recognizes the need to think big and small in an effort to provide arts programming to all children and adults who want it. Although major support has come from the SDBA, The Skillman Foundation, the McGregor Fund and other organizations, small sponsorships from businesses and individuals are seen as a key to sustaining and expanding its programs. The facility’s large reception area, studios and other rooms are available for rent and fundraising events. COMPAS also plans to market the center to a broad network, which currently includes the Civic Youth Orchestra of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the University Musical Society in Ann Arbor, among other noteworthy cultural jewels.

In its first two years, powerful neighborhood connections have blossomed into regional and international ties. Support has come from a diverse group of businesses, foundations and others who value the arts. COMPAS serves as an example of how good things can happen through partnerships between business and cultural organizations. Although it could still be considered in its infancy, the center has pumped energy and enrichment into its community. Its doors are open with an invitation for everyone to see what dynamic music, drama and dance can do for a neighborhood – one that can grow and celebrate with creative expression by young people who are free to see life with fewer boundaries.

COMPAS, the Center of Music and Performing Arts Southwest, is located in the Odd Fellows Building, 8701 W. Vernor, Detroit. An open house for parents and students is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. Sept. 26. Fall classes begin Oct. 5. For registration information, call 313.554.0791 or visit www.compascenter.org.