Atim Opoka

“This is the first time I have felt seen by just being me.”

Atim and her family are refugees from Uganda who now live in South Dakota. As a musical artist and storyteller, her work has been heavily impacted by these years of COVID. She continues to inspire others, and make an impact in her daily work as an educator for marginalized youth in the arts. She has persevered through many obstacles and said “this gift is helping me to love and heal all the parts of me I have tried to run away from. It has made me realize I have always been an artist, even when I couldn't meet the white- euro standard of "Good Art". My culture, my roots were always the foundation of who I am today. Art is at the heart of Acholi culture that uses music and dance to tell stories and celebrate our lives.

This gift just didn't feel real, it felt like a scam,  because usually there are way more hoops and jumps you have to go through to get funding. It takes experience and resources to be able to showcase your work in a way people are willing to look at and value. It's sad, but this is the first time I have felt seen for my work by just existing and being me, without it coming at the cost of myself or my art. No washing down or whitewashing. Even when being vulnerable is so hard in this world, we must be able to show the complexities of being a human that is part of a marginalized group.”

Atim is working on releasing her first music video and a 5-song EP next fall, releasing singles and merchandise throughout the year. If it is safe, she will also be booking live shows in the Twin Cities in 2022.