NOISE PERMIT

MACC HELPS YDL UPLIFT TEEN VOICES

Noise Permit—the annual summer staple put on by Ozone House and Ypsilanti District Library—is expanding the way teens can explore their creative interests this summer. The Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) increased its funding to more than $15,000 this year, which helped purchase new equipment and bring more programs to Noise Permit.

In addition to the traditional beat creation, writing and lyric editing, and audio recording, editing, and mixing workshops, Noise Permit will now include videography, visual storytelling, and video editing. With the increased funding, 4 new Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) will enable youth to learn more about the technology needed to create this art form.

Youth will be able to use the DAWs at the library or at the Ozone House Drop-in Center during the workshop season. A digital camera and other videography equipment will also be available, along with new recording accessories.

This popular workshop series is aimed at youth ages 10-24 who are interested in working with local professional artists to learn skills in videography, music creation, audio recording, poetry/spoken word, and live performance techniques. The workshop series will culminate in a live concert with stage performances by youth participants on Friday, August 7, at YDL’s downtown Library Plaza (229 W. Michigan Ave.) from 6-8pm. 

“We really wanted to focus on increasing our capacity for teaching and providing access to the technology and materials,” said YDL Librarian Stephanie Pocsi-Morrison. “With access to our own set of DAWs and videography equipment, we can invite teen and young adult participants to record at the library or Ozone House whenever they are free.”

Another new component to Noise Permit this year is Wednesday Night Table Talk. Once a week, a guest artist will share a meal with our young artists. These guest artists will answer questions and share more about their creative practices, the role art plays in their lives, navigating the business side of being a creative artist, and using social media to promote creative work. 

“Learning how to use your voice in writing is the key to advocacy,” said YDL Parapro Shayla Card-Nowlin. “Learning how to collaborate is how we learn how to ask for help, and being in a community is how we learn to create a safe space for all.” 

This program is sponsored by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

For more information on the 2026 Noise Permit workshops, please contact [email protected].

DANTE DORSEY

Dante Dorsey is the Founder and Executive Director of Music Means More, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving urban youth via technology, music, and mentorship. Music Means More has operated in approximately 50 different locations across Michigan and beyond!

Born and raised in Flint, Dante is an accomplished music artist, producer, educator, and businessman, with over 30 years of experience to share. In addition to nonprofit work, Dante holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Media Studies, with a Theatre Minor, and has earned a Master’s Degree in Social Foundations and Community Education. This is his 3rd year supporting Noise Permit!