Isaac Fitzsimons

Member Spotlight: Franiya Tiffany

Posted by Isaac Fitzsimons, Aug 17, 2020 0 comments


Isaac Fitzsimons

Franiya Tiffany is an actress, entertainer, and innovator from Florida. At only 10 years old, she is one of Americans for the Arts’ youngest members. A musician and performer, Tiffany is launching a nonprofit, Love Your Art Project, to help reduce poverty and empower her generation. We were excited to have a conversation with her about how she got her start in the arts, her experience as a guest on NBC’s Today Show, and her perspective on how we can all make a difference in our communities.

Franiya Tiffany

How did you get involved in the arts?

I have always had a love for the arts. I started dancing before I could even walk. My dad would dance with me around the house, and when I turned three years old, I started taking professional dance lessons. I would watch shows and movies and act them out, but I did not think of it as acting, just doing something I loved while having fun. I received my first keyboard at six years old. Learning to play piano came easy to me. From there, I started learning other instruments like the guitar. I also love to draw and write. I’ve been drawing a lot since I’ve been home more during the coronavirus. Being able to express my feelings through writing is what led to my book, Love Your Art, which I wrote to help lift others that may have been treated unkind.

What impact have the arts had on your life?

The arts have made a big impact on my life. I have gained so much confidence in myself and what I do. Without the arts, God, and my family I wouldn’t be who I am today.

What would you say has been the most rewarding artistic experience for you, and why?

Becoming a member of the KIDBOX Kids board of directors is one of my favorite experiences. My most rewarding experience is getting the invite from the Today Show and being recognized on International Day of the Girl and meeting Alessia Cara. It was like I was in a dream because I used to dance to her song “Wild Things” in my garage all the time, so to get to meet her in person was everything! It showed me that anything is possible as long as I keep working hard.

You’re working on launching a nonprofit. What will the mission and focus be?

I’m super excited about launching my nonprofit, Love Your Art Project, and I can’t wait until the world can experience it! My mission will be to help reduce poverty, while empowering my generation to dream bigger beyond their circumstances. The focus will be on the arts, education, and much more.

How did you become active in your community?

I started donating as early as four years old at a local homeless shelter for families and their kids. When I saw the children had nothing it pushed me to make sure I was uplifting the other kids in my community in everything I do. I have hosted a giveback talent show which was exciting, and recently I placed a Love Your Art room inside a local shelter with art supplies and musical instruments. I don’t have much, but giving back is something that makes me happy and it doesn’t require a lot. It can start with donating something you no longer need. To be able to help someone that may not have anything at all is what inspires me.

We’ve seen a lot of young people standing up for what they believe in recently. Why do you think it’s important for young people to use their voice to make change?

Because the future is ours. Without us using our voices now we will continue to see a repeat of the unchanged problems that will keep affecting every generation, one after another. When young people use our voices and stand tall, we can fix and unite the world in ways that will bring lasting love and change.

What advice would you give to others who are looking for ways to make a difference in their communities, especially in times like these?

Think big but start small. Eventually you will see those small changes become big changes, but we must stay strong and positive. It’s during the hard times that we can make the greatest impact.


Americans for the Arts Membership

This series features the many Americans for the Arts members doing transformative work for arts education, public art, advocacy, arts marketing, and more. An Americans for the Arts Membership connects you with this network of more than 6,000 arts leaders and gives you access to latest professional development and research. You can become a member by visiting us online, sending an email to [email protected], or calling 202.371.2830.

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