Denaise Seals
An established program facilitator with strong ability to communicate effectively with technology, academic & community audiences.
Artistic Statement
Growing up, I was fascinated with the power of the screen.
When I spotted a video crew on campus at Howard University, I realized that the medium that resonated so much with me didn’t have to happen far away: it could happen here and now. I’ve never looked back.
In the thirty years since then, I’ve meshed my training in both criminal justice and broadcast production into a career as a videographer, digital specialist, and arts educator, working with students of all ages in Washington, D.C. and beyond. I’m grateful to serve as a role model of a professional, artistic technician and thrilled to work within diverse communities of color. Throughout it all, my central questions remain the same: How can we create informed, confident, and invested youth? How does absorbing and creating media mold our beliefs and those of others? How can we effectively and compellingly capture messages that can enact change?
“Denaise, is every creative/performing artists dream. She is talented. She is generous in all dealings clients. She is honest and always goes the extra mile(s). with her Indeed, Denaise is one of the world’s most gracious human beings. Everyone respects and admires. I have worked with her for years and plan to continue, of course.”
— Maida Withers, Artistic Director, Dance Construction Company ~Professor, Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, George Washington University
2018 CAH Arts & Humanities Fellowship: Teaching Artist
Awarded for artistic excellence significantly contributing to the District of Columbia as a world class cultural capital.
RECOGNITION & AWARDS
202Creates Artist-in-residence Fall 2018
Projects Events & Festivals (individual) Grant, DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities - (2015, ‘16, ’17,’18) – Media Savvy’s Animation Unplugged programs.
Celebrate the Creative Spark! In-School Residency, CAH Special Arts Initiative, (2015, ‘16, ‘17, ’18, ‘19) - Media Savvy’s media production program, Commercials & PSA’s: What is Your Message?
Small Projects Grant (2007) DCCAH – Priceless, a collaboration with Petworth Library
Arts and Education Award (2006) D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities for series of MEDIA SAVVY workshops
Traditional Folk Arts Award (2006) DCCAH – DC Caribbean Carnival
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
AniPalooza (2017, ‘18); 202 Music &, 2018 Art Festival (2017); LibraryCon (2016); Kennedy Street Festival (2016, ‘19); Ward 4 Family Fun Day (2015); Summer Reading Kick-off (2015); DanceAfricaDC (2015); FESPACO Pan African Film Festival (2009); Kidding Around: The Child in Film and Media (2008)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION
Member – DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative