Workshops
Workshop sessions involve extensive interaction between presenters and participants around an idea or hands-on experience of a practice. These sessions may also take the form of a crafted panel, staged conversation, dialogue or debate – all involving substantial interaction with the audience. [45 min. each]
Creativity in Practice: Engaging Beyond the Lines
Workshop Presentation Mary Harber, Asha Rao
In the context of ableism and those with disabilities, learning to be creative in practice is an imperative if we are to truly honor the ideology of self determination. Creating inclusion means that society must meet the diversity of individuals and communities through creative engagement and support. It is time to think outside the lines if we are to truly engage in flattening the power structures that surround the disability culture. This workshop will provide participants an opportunity to explore the use of creative methods of engagement both in formal and informal community settings. Participants will explore how to use drama activities, body movement, and visual art to support communication, self discovery, and inclusion. Choice, social/emotional skills, and self-advocacy will be examined through the lens of each modality. Participants will build upon ideas to develop their own creative practice. When people find alternative methods of expression we listen differently and we are more able to hear the authentic person versus being blinded by societal assumptions around disability and the culture of charity. In the spirit of Lilla Watson “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together” (Aboriginal activists group, 1970s)
The Global Classroom: International Art Collaborations with Middle and High School Students
Workshop Presentation Maggie Tobin
This workshop is for middle and high school teachers interested in creating collaborative art projects with other educators/classrooms from around the globe. This is a unique opportunity to meet others face to face and explore the possibilities of creating partnerships with both teachers and students from different cultures. Workshop Outline Opening Discussion We will begin the workshop by defining the characteristics of a global citizen and the importance of building international relationships to teach global competency. How can global art collaborations facilitate our students’ journey to become global citizens? After the PowerPoint presentation, I will teach my colleagues how to make a mindmap, a brainstorming tool to access new ideas for collaborations. We will break up into to small groups to create collaborative mindmaps that explore a range of topics that can be developed from one single object. *Compare and contrast with the other groups’ mindmaps. We will also brainstorm possible collaborative projects that could evolve from these ideas. As our world appears to be growing more and more fractured, I believe it is vital that the next generation be taught the importance of gaining a more sophisticated world view. Using art as a catalyst for social change is a sensible means to achieve this aspiration.
