Artist Profile: STEAM URBAN
Art Form(s): Visual Arts
Artist Statement
STEAM URBAN collaborates with green spaces, schools, and community organizations in Black and Brown areas to provide dynamic and healing programmatic offerings that will begin to eradicate educational disparities, connect and uplift community members and expand community resources. Working with students of all ages and seeing everyone’s humanity strengthens the community thread and creates brave, collective, and collaborative spaces.
Artist Bio
Fallon Ayaan, M.Ed., is a passionate advocate for underserved communities, particularly in education and social justice. Early in their career, Fallon created the first masculine-of-center fashion show and Queer Fashion Week, promoting inclusivity and expression for LGBTQIA+ youth. This experience led them to recognize the deep educational disparities caused by systemic discrimination. Fallon earned a master’s in education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, Equity, and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math).
Driven by a desire for change, Fallon developed the teaching framework, S.T.E.A.M. for Educational Justice, which became the foundation for STEAM URBAN, a non-profit that addresses Environmental Justice, Social Justice, and Educational Equity. As the founder and CEO, Fallon leads daily operations, trains staff, and serves as a community liaison, offering year-round programs that empower students, especially in Newark and Greater Essex County. Their programs are accessible and promote creative, innovative community learning.
In 2023, Fallon launched STEAM URBAN Farms & Gardens, including an urban garden called A Healing Sanctuary, to heal the community through food, wellness, and art. Their long-term goal is to create lasting societal change, particularly for queer and BIPOC communities. Fallon’s work has earned recognition, including the Dr. Arnold Brown Racial Justice Award and a nomination for a 2023 Webby Award. Their docuseries episode on NJPBS won an Emmy in 2024.
