Creative Generation Launches New Research Initiative on Arts Education and the SDGs

Creative Generation is pleased to announce a new project titled “ArtsEd x SDG,” the first phase of which has been taking place from June to September 2021. This project’s goal is to examine and articulate the intersections between arts and cultural education and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN).

In collaboration with author and researcher Tricia Tunstall, this project aims to aggregate the extant knowledge about the existing and potential intersections between the arts/cultural education field and the 17 SDGs;identify and curate a series of multidimensional case studies to illustrate pedagogies, practices, and policies that enable the work; and draw conclusions about the role that arts and cultural education programs play in the global pursuit of the SDGs. Over the course of this project, researchers will produce a summary white paper, a series of case studies, and a set of recommendations for future research, documentation, and programming for Creative Generation and the fields of culture, education, and social change.

In early June, Creative Generation hired two emerging scholars to guide this work: Carl Akoula Hakim, from Cairo, Egypt, who is currently studying in St. Petersburg, Russia; and Rachael Osgood, from Austin, Texas, U.S.A., who is currently studying in Edinburgh, Scotland. 

“The study of alignment between fields is a priority at Creative Generation,” said Jeff M. Poulin, managing director of Creative Generation. “Our team believes that dismantling siloes and integrating fields of practice is the path forward for the structures which enable young creatives to create their futures. This project will contribute to the knowledge bases of the SDGs and arts education fields in order to do just that.”

Creative Generation was founded in April 2019 as a research initiative, and has grown its work throughout the United States and around the world. Through pioneering original research in the arts and cultural education field – and the relentless support of arts and cultural educators in their work to cultivate the creative capabilities of young people – the organization both fosters this work and generates new knowledge that strengthens and empowers the field.

“The field of arts and cultural education for social impact is now a truly international movement,” said Tricia Tunstall. “and it generates exactly the kind of creative and collaborative energy needed to fuel lasting progress toward all of the Sustainable Development Goals.  We need to learn everything we can about this vital intersection, so that the unique potency of arts and culture can drive, inform, and transform the global quest for sustainability, wellbeing, and social justice.” 

About Creative Generation

Contributing to the development of thriving communities and a more just world, Creative Generation works to inspire, connect, and amplify the work of young creatives who catalyze social transformation and those who are committed to cultivating their creative capabilities. Founded in 2019, Creative Generation operates four signature programs: The Campaign for a Creative Generation, the Institute for Creative Social Transformation, The Academy for Creative Leadership, and an Incubator for Creative Impact.