Mazi Mutafa

About Mazi Mutafa

The line between inspiration and education is extremely thin, and I strive to create work that does both. I know firsthand the transformative power of the arts and humanities. My work is dedicated to helping young people and adults to access the creativity they were told was not \"good enough.\" So much of what we are told places value on commerce alone, and while this fact is true in many circumstances, the fact that so much of what is beautiful cannot be bought or sold leaves both the artist and the art appreciator in a difficult place. I have been the lead consultant for mural projects, director of festivals and a producer of weekly radio shows on WPFW 89.3FM to showcase poets, MC’s, producers, vocalists and bands. I am dedicated to gaining access to resources and oportunities to promote the work of other artists. For some that takes the form of sharing their process of creating, telling the stories of their creation and inspiring the creative imaginations of those that listen or watch. I am a writer, a planner and an author with a vision to bring together the best artists with audiences hungry for our collective brilliance.

Experience

1. Founding Executive Director

   Words Beats & Life

   Jan 2002 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Project Manager for Friends and Neighbors Mural in NoMa• Project Manager for Veterans Administration Tribute Mural for Downtown BID• Producer and on air Host of the Wednesday edition of Live @ 5 On WPFW 89.3FM, fourth Saturday Words Beats and Life Radio on WPFW89.3 FM, and fifth Saturday The 5th Element on WPFW 89.3FM• Curriculum developer for WBL \"Like a Boss\" curriculum• Event producer for Juste Debout Washington• Event producer for La Belle Hip-Hop (USA)• Event producer for WBL Festival 20••••19• Guest Lecturer at American University, George Washington Georgetown University, Howard University, University of Maryland, ColumbiaCollege (Chicago)• Published Author in \"the Handbook on Research of Black Males\"• Project Manager for Fine Lines: Street Art, Fine Art, and Graffiti Public art Program in Washington D.C. 20••••19• Project manager for Magnets of Creativity, Public Art in Pakistan (20••••17)• Lead Arts Consultant for MuralsDC (20••••15)• Ambassador for the DC Hip-Hop Community to the world (Brazil, Belgium, Pakistan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Uganda,South Africa, France, and the United Kingdom)• Annual fundraising through grant writing, corporate sponsorship and individual donations annually)• Developing and curating all WBL program offerings and special events (Locally, Nationally and Internationally)• Developing local, regional, national and international partnerships (Kennedy Center, Columbia College, State Department,USAID)• Spokesperson for WBL programs and initiative to the public at large• Identify and build partnerships with similar hip-hop organizations, and performing arts anchor institutions around the world• Carry out the mandates of the Board of Directors

Education

• University of Maryland

  Bachelor's degree

  1996 — 2002