The Tennessee Art Education Association (TAEA) and Creative Generation are pleased to announce their collaboration to explore the research and findings from Creative Generation’s Social justice Arts Education (SJAE) project with a pilot cohort of Tennessee art educators.
The Social Justice Arts Education (SJAE) course prepares artists, educators, and youth-serving organizations to envision and enact integration of social justice and arts education. Through peer-to-peer learning, the course facilitates theoretical and historical knowledge building and practical strategies for cultivating a justice orientation in the creativity of young people.
During a five-part series of interactive workshop, participants will engage with and interrogate the necessary paradigm shifts, public policy opportunities, and anti-racist practices necessary to realize a future of integrated social justice and arts education in classrooms and community learning settings. The pilot cohort brings a wide variety of perspectives – including certified teachers, teaching artists, community arts practitioners, and administrators – to the discussion.
“The commitment of TAEA to explore the deep-thinking and practical application of integrated social justice and art education in classrooms is a necessary step towards a more just nation,” said Jeff M. Poulin, managing director of Creative Generation. “The collaboration with TAEA to co-create this experience is developing a model for the future work of arts education service organizations in states around the country; we look forward to sharing our process to inspire others to action.”
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 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 regularly leads professional learning through its Academy for Creative Leadership.
“The Social Justice Arts Education sessions have been foundational in helping to create a paradigm shift in among art educators through personal and pedagogical practices to support more inclusive spaces in curriculum and school buildings across the state,” said James Wells, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion chair of TAEA. “As an organization designed to further best practices in art education, it was important for us to seize the moment and continue to operate in moments that are real and relevant for all educators and students. Social justice is continuous work and supporting our teachers through professional learning ensures that they are equipped to learn, lead and serve to advance our field.”
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.
About the Tennessee Art Education Association (TAEA)
The mission of the Tennessee Art Education Association is to advance quality visual arts education and to promote a cohesive professional community through advocacy, leadership, and professional development.