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UB grads launch international arts program

Posted at 4:26 PM, Jun 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-25 10:47:16-04

University at Buffalo graduates are working to build bridges across the globe. The Travel Project aims to bring the creative arts to refugee students. 

"The Thoo Mweh Khee School. I went there last year. I did some beautification projects, did some English speaking skills work with the kids and spent a lot of time with them," said Eliza Maher the co-founder of The Travel Project. "I left kind of feeling like I needed to go back."

Maher shared her experience and vision with three other women she graduated with and they felt compelled to help.

Maher is a musical theatre graduate, who's now working in Los Angeles. The other women, who helped create the non-for-profit organization are working artists in New York City. 

"The project is under the umbrella of their theatre company in New York City, The Radium Girls Productions," said Maher. "Our goal is to bring the gift of creative arts and education and female empowerment to children who might otherwise go without."

The women will embark on their trip to the Thoo Mweh Khee school in August, but they need your help. 

"Monday is the cabaret and fundraiser," said Maher. 

The fundraiser will be held at the Irish Classical Theatre on Main Street in Buffalo. 

"It's mostly musical theatre, though I think there are a few pop songs as well," said Kelly Copps, who's a singer in the cabaret. "Very fun, bright, encouraging songs about what this project is about. It's about chasing your dreams or being yourself or doing what you love."

Maher said, "for the first hour there will be the Rear View Ramblers playing in the lobby."

There's a $20 suggested donation at the door, which includes one free drink ticket. 

"Our goal is to be able to go back there with a new set of teaching artists and offer different kinds of classes every year," said Maher. 

If you'd like to support The Travel Project click here