LEARNING OBJECTIVES, followed by end of term REFLECTIONS
1) I hope to gain a solid understanding of why and when community arts emerged, in what ways it has been sustained throughout major social changes.
I believe I’ve gained a basic historical knowledge of the emergence and transformations of the community arts field.
2) I’m not sure this will be a topic in this class, but I am interested in international community arts, especially Central or South American community arts. I would like to compare how arts structures in the United States differ from those abroad and see what I might learn from those differences. This might be a topic in which I supplement some of my own research, beginning in this class and continuing, perhaps, throughout future community arts concentration courses.
I wasn’t able to do much research regarding community arts outside of the United States, although I almost chose to research international disability arts for my final paper. This is absolutely an area I want to learn more about, hopefully in the next couple terms. I’m interested in Lydel’s fair trade research and I look forward to learning from her.
3) I would like to consider the ways in which “culture” influences art making and how differences in value systems and social structures influence the importance of art to the individual and a community.
This is a huge learning goal to give an answer too, as art is and has always been an expression of experience, of culture, of religion, of rebellion, of passion, fear, regret or of hope (and on and on). I could never suggest that a certain type of art is created because of a certain cultural tradition, as there is a long history and always transforming intricate network of ideas and experiences related to culture and value. Community arts, I feel, is more about giving people the space, materials and confidence to express whatever they need to express, and learn about meaning through the process. I feel that it’s not so much about asking why but creating a how. It’s about providing access to art for everybody, as it (should be) a fundamental right to express yourself to another.
4) I want to learn everything I can from my 8 peers in this course, as I’m already inspired by the skills and experience they bring to the table. I want to practice listening and communicating with those who I can speak with comfortably, so that I am better prepared for future interviews and group environments.
Well, the 8 of us quickly became 6, but the 5 peers I had the opportunity to listen to are profoundly inspiring individuals. I am humbled and empowered that these women will go forth to lead community arts organizations in the future, and I cannot wait to be among them! I feel that my communication skills have improved and I’m much more likely to add my thoughts to a conversation, even if they aren’t fully formed. Such a small class environment has been so helpful in allowing me these opportunities to share and listen with more confidence, patience and humility.
5) I hope to be introduced to a variety of resources (both in print and online) in community arts theory, development and practice which may help me start my own research and stay updated on the quickly growing and changing field of study.
I have a binder full of resources I’m sure to reference from time to time and many more I found while navigating for sources for my papers. My increased community arts vocabulary has made it immensely easier to do research and start narrowing down what fields within community arts I’m most interested in.
6) I look forward to studying cases in which marginalized populations have benefited from community arts programs, and the difficulties an arts manager faces when trying to implement such an organization.
This was actually a very big topic this term, including (at risk, although I dislike that term) youth, youth and adults with disabilities, adults who have endured physical or mental trauma, marginalized people due to race, age, gender, geography, etc. I have thoroughly appreciated all I have gained from this course in this ares as I feel it has been well covered.
I really enjoyed Grady Hillman’s article about teaching in various community settings. I hope to find more articles like that one, which suggest not only good strategies for arts outreach and education, but also those strategies that don’t work so well. I want to hear more about failures in community arts work, especially those dealing with marginalized populations and youth.
