In efforts to rebuild our post-pandemic societies – we turn to our creative and cultural practitioners. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) designated 2021 as the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, demonstrating somewhat remarkable foresight whilst launching the Creative Economy Program towards the end of 2019 at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.
Read more#Artivism: Amanda Gorman, Social Justice Art, and the Black Youth Voice
Since January 20th, Amanda Gorman’s poem at the U.S. Presidential Inauguration has been celebrated globally. From powerful think pieces to musical remixes, the speech has lit a cultural firestorm and has raised questions about society, arts and culture, education, and - most critically - the young Black voice.
Leading by Example: Alysia Lee on Creative Collaboration with Students
Last month, I wrote about a conversation I had with Alysia Lee and her work, Say Her Name, which premiered in November 2020. The #SayHerName movement resists police brutality against Black women. If you say the name, you're prompted to learn the story, and if you know the story, then you have a broader sense of all the ways Black bodies are made vulnerable to police violence. In this part, we spoke about her creative collaborations with students.
Read moreProgram Spotlight: Big Thought Keeps Learning All in the Family
With invisible capes OST expanded their superhero talents to quickly set up and support an emergent childcare facility for first responders at Hernandez Elementary School, while simultaneously strategizing on ways to keep after school engagement in place. To mitigate the possibility of learning being interrupted the team developed Creative Kits chocked full of activities (including supplies needed) to provide continuos creative engagement, special selected books designed to promote literacy.
Read moreProgram Spotlight: Institute of Music for Children
Guided by its vision of HARMONY – Helping Achieve Responsible, Motivated, Optimistic Neighborhood Youth – the Institute of Music for Children is building a community of high-achieving citizens who are arts lovers and arts makers through professional instruction, mentorship, and family engagement. Each year, the Institute provides over 1,000 New Jersey youth with affordable, high-quality arts training in a creative and nurturing environment. The Institute broadens participation in the arts in underserved communities through tuition assistance, bi-lingual staff and promotional materials, and urban outreach initiatives.
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