VANGUARDS is an annual event produced by FIGHTING OBSTACLES KNOWING ULTIMATE SUCCESS (FOKUS). Modeled with respect to a classic block party, Vanguards is FOKUS’s flagship event, showcasing and introducing the FOKUS vision of inclusivity, fun, creativity, and collaborative learning to a wide array of students, professors, staff, and Ann Arbor community.

For the past ten years, Vanguards has taken place on a Saturday in April, drawing over 500 people together from every walk of life in a day-long celebration. The individuals who attend or stumble upon Vanguards are reason for celebration enough – up-and-coming student artists, trailblazing local musicians, students at the end of another academic year, and families passing through for a casual Saturday on campus. However, it is the circulation of ideas and variety of experience that is Vanguards’ greater triumph. Creativity, diversity, and inclusivity are shared in the safe haven that FOKUS creates so all participants can come together and celebrate what makes them unique and find their common ground.

For 2014, we are celebrating FOKUS’s 10 year anniversary. We want to honor FOKUS’s past and current dedication to diversity and social issues. Our goal this year is to embody our mission: to educate, empower, and unite communities using the arts. FOKUS’s motto “Art Is”¦” will provide the framework. Art is all around us and VANGUARDS 2014 will serve as a testament to the creativity that exists inside us all.

HEADLINER PERFORMANCES: NoName Gypsy (Chicago), Kopelli (Detroit), Ty Beat and Matt Black (Grand Rapids), DJ AnnaMalistiik

Activities: Live Painting + Giant Bubbles + Custom Tattoos + Henna + Yard Games + Zumba + Fun for ALL!!!