Keys To Life

Keys to Life (KTL) non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation since December 1, 2015. Our mission is to empower, create and strengthen an inclusive community through rich arts and cross-cultural experiences. KTL is dedicated to creating ways to engage our community through the arts, with one song, one story, and one deepening conversation at a time, as we gain new perspectives and common ground.

Keys to Life shares stories presented to our community. Your support this year will help to build bridges and make connections through the following artistic projects:

2022-McLaughlin Freedom to Dream Book and Lullaby CD Concert
The Freedom to Dream project has given incarcerated young men in McLaughlin an opportunity to dream a better life for themselves through storytelling and music. The youth shared written stories about their culture, heritage, and dreams, captured in the Freedom to Dream book. The McLaughlin Lullaby project was a seven months endeavor. The young men participated in Music Theory, Guitar Lessons, Lullaby Writing, and Audio Production classes. A Lullaby Cd was produced. Their powerful work, including stories from the Freedom to Dream book, will be presented at the upcoming concert.

What is the Meaning of Home Photography Exhibits
Keys to Life is exploring the question “what is the meaning of home?” through an artistic format. In our diverse culture, the word “home” can bring us all together. The Photographic Exhibit will invite individuals who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity to share their lives through the lens of a camera. The goal is to give our community a new narrative on the concept of Home and its meaning. The photo exhibit will share the stories and lives beyond the physical appearance we see in the media. The exhibit will be on view in a public space coupled with a panel discussion by the authors of the photos.

Hear Our Voice… Youth Summit
Hear Our Voices is a one-day youth summit with the objective of providing a cross-cultural discussion about issues concerning youth in our community. Keys to Life youth ambassadors are witnessing first-hand the challenges their peers are experiencing each day. This youth summit is designed to create an opportunity to learn ways to help. The Summit Topics are addressing stereotypes using the power of storytelling, the epidemic of mental health among teens, and cross-cultural conversation as a means to create understanding. Included in the day’s events will be cultural performances and cultural food.

World Stories/ Stories Matter
Keys to Life brings storytellers from all over the country to Anchorage. The storytellers share stories of history, culture, and heritage. In 2021, we enlisted ten storytellers from a variety of backgrounds including Alaska Native, Latino, African-American, and African to share their stories via Zoom