Back to School: Teaching artist Emmett Phillips creates dynamic arts education programming through hip-hop.

Art Works Podcast

Emmett Phillips is a hip-hop artist, actor, poet, and teaching artist based in Des Moines, Iowa. In this podcast, Emmett shares his journey from his early days in hip-hop through his time in the military to becoming a teaching artist who empowers youth through the arts, specifically hip-hop. Emmett discusses hip-hop as a cultural movement that uplifts people, amplifies the voices of the oppressed, and expresses ideas and values with creativity and style. He talks about his personal growth through hip-hop and how it inspired him to become a teaching artist, helping students find their voices and build confidence. Emmett describes his work at Oakridge Neighborhood, a multi-faceted community organization where he has infused hip-hop into the art program. He shares stories of students who have transformed from shy and hesitant to confident performers through hip-hop. He details the creation of the music video made by the Children of Oakridge Neighborhood “Success is my Protest,” describing the collaborative process by which it was made and how the project empowered the young people. Emmett talks about his work in arts education creating curriculum for public schools, community organizations, and universities, and the role of arts education in empowering youth, building confidence, and fostering positive change within communities. Overall, Emmett Phillips's work highlights the demonstrable power of arts education, the creative exuberance of hip-hop and how the two can come together to create dynamic classrooms.