Many young artists in the United States are activating their creativity for social change at the ballot box and on important congressional funding measures. These individuals and coalitions aim to get out to vote, educate citizens on the issues, and fight for important causes. One of those causes is funding for Arts & Cultural Education and the creative sector of the U.S. economy which has been ravaged by the global coronavirus pandemic. In this edition of #Artivism, we will highlight the work of two Artivist practitioners and a group led by young artists that is fighting for congressional financial support for creatives, teaching artists, and cultural organizations.
Read moreStudents Deserve the Arts, Period.
Arts Education in Maryland Schools (AEMS) is an organization whose mission is ensure that all students in the state of Maryland have access to high quality arts education by mobilizing power to communities through advocacy programs, professional and leadership programs, and resource building and sharing.
Read moreArts and Culture as a Human Right in Los Angeles County
As arts, culture, and creativity have been proven to boost individual and community well-being, lack of access to them inherently hinders the development of a more just and equitable society. After all, how can we express ourselves if we have not been taught how to write creatively? How can we embrace differences if the only stories we’re told are our own?
Read moreConfronting Fears And Inspiring Change
In August 2019, we took a production to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. When we first began brainstorming about possible themes, the students were clear that they wanted the show to be “American”. So, it had to be a musical. And what’s more American than guns and gun violence, right?
Read morePretzel on Pause: Reflections on the Pretzel Process
Since our last blog in March, the practical element of the Pretzel process has been on pause. As each country went into lockdown it was not possible for rehearsals and reflections to continue. Even though this Pretzel Pause caused frustration, the proof of concept had been established. Our Pretzel pupils were fully engaged within the process, enjoyed sharing their work but were intrigued by the interpretation sparked by their performances. The listening and responding skills were fundamental to the value of our process. The opportunity to react and respond to peers from across the world has been an invaluable experience.
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