About Us
Creating Opportunity Through Film, Media & the Arts
ArieCan Media & Arts Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, artists, and creative professionals. Through education, hands-on training, scholarships, mentorship, and access to industry resources, we help individuals develop their talents, gain real-world experience, and turn their creative ambitions into meaningful careers.
Our Story
Built From Experience. Inspired by Legacy. Created to Open Doors.
ArieCan Media & Arts Foundation was born from a simple belief: talent and creativity are everywhere, but opportunity is not.
After years of building ArieCan Productions and creating independent film and television projects, founders Leonard Martin and Larry Harris experienced firsthand what it takes to turn an idea into a finished production. Along the way, they also recognized how difficult it can be for aspiring creatives to gain access to professional equipment, hands-on training, mentorship, industry knowledge, and real opportunities to develop their talents.
Long before the Foundation was formally established, Leonard and Larry were already investing their own time, resources, and experience into teaching, mentoring, and creating opportunities for young people. They believed that access and exposure could make a lasting difference and often used their own resources to help provide those opportunities. The Foundation represents the next chapter of that commitment turning years of hands-on experience and personal investment into a broader mission to reach and empower even more people.
The Foundation was created to help open those doors; while also honoring the legacy, strength, love, and encouragement of their grandmothers, whose influence helped shape the values they carry forward today. Their legacy serves as a reminder that when someone believes in you, supports you, and gives you an opportunity, it can change the direction of your life.
At the heart of the Foundation is our six-week hands-on programs, designed to introduce participants to the real world of film, media, and the creative arts. Participants don't simply learn about the industry; they have opportunities to experience the creative process, develop practical skills, work collaboratively, and learn from professionals with real production experience.
Through these programs, scholarships, mentorship, and other initiatives, ArieCan Media & Arts Foundation is working to ensure that the next generation of creatives has greater access to the tools and opportunities needed to bring their stories to life.
Our story began with creating our own opportunities. Our legacy will be creating opportunities for others.
