Seventeenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

Inspired by a poignant story of brave students collaborating to integrate the arts community in 1965, Miles College and Samford University are teaming together again to demonstrate how we can use the arts to shape our community. This session will use the case study of the MISA Collaborative to examine pathways for partnership between institutions seeking to enrich the community and build bridges of diversity. The MISA Collaborative has established a virtual arts festival, collaborative theatrical works, collaborative music events, and shared art exhibits. Each of these offerings connects to meaningful opportunities to deepen connection and arts opportunities for the community – especially the underserved. The Collaborative has been recognized with important grant support and by the leadership of our communities. Join us as we explore what it means to shape events out of historical context, engaging students as leaders in service learning, and using story and the arts to weave diversity into the souls of our institutions.