Brooklyn Heights Montessori School’s Post

In December 2023, I was invited by Courtney Christensen from Kansas City Public Library to give a keynote to open their 150th anniversary celebrations. In January I learned that ART IN THE LOOP FOUNDATION, the public art program for #KansasCity run by Downtown Council of Kansas City, had been so inspired by the talk that they had chosen #convivencia as the theme for their public art summer with KC STREETCAR AUTHORITY. This is the impact that I hoped to see from my research. In my latest newsletter, Ann Holliday and Edwing Mendez talk about how the capability of #coexistence transformed into more than 20 performances and installations. I find this story of Kansas City so inspiring. The big takeaways from it are: 1. There is no greater tool for communicating values than #publicart. 2. Public authorities have power and should use their power on how public spaces are used as a platform for the arts. 3. The biggest investments in the arts are not done by growing the cultural budget but incorporating the arts into public infrastructure. 4. Even when working on serious subjects, like downturn revitalization, do not forget play and wonder. Read the entire article here: https://lnkd.in/e6P3Y-wc

Here's what we're reading this week

Did you know that September 29th is National Day of Belongingness? Creating a sense of belonging in preschool classrooms is so important! We did an entire webinar on this topic with JaneAnn Benson that folks might find interesting. https://lnkd.in/eJfVEagQ

“Art’s purpose is to raise questions, not offer a defined answer. An image giving an explicit answer is merely propaganda. True art invites the observer to ask important questions, engage in discussion – with the art, the artist, and with their community - and ultimately develop an understanding of what “solution” mean to them. But Americans do not spend the time necessary in front of art – to pause and understand.” - Words of Abel Ortiz, Associate Professor at Southwest Texas Junior College, and leader of the Mural initiative in Uvalde, TX memorializing those who passed away in the Robb Elementary tragedy. His mural initiative has been recognized by the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of the American Latino https://lnkd.in/gEhDGs7R, and others https://lnkd.in/gpd-M9mt. It was exciting for Jasmine Wright and me to explore with Abel ways art can help Uvalde discover new and future meaning by asking: What is Uvalde's identity? What type of community should it become? How can it be defined in ways other than trauma and tragedy? The well-being economy begins with a common vision of shared prosperity fitted to a community's unique assets, values, opportunities, and challenges. The IC2 Institute at The University of Texas at Austin hopes that community art will aid Uvalde engage the important questions (above) through joint dialogue and ensure a bright future for all its residents. Thank you to Monica Muñoz-Martinez, Noel Busch-Armendariz, Gloria Gonzalez-Lopez, Caitlin Sulley, LMSW, Monica Unzueta for your leadership, support, and collaboration in this project. #uvalde #art #artbusiness #communitydevelopment #future #vision #identity #wellbeing #wellbeingeconomy

Say it loud! 📣The arts are essential and a human right! To limit students access to arts education is to deny critical opportunities for social emotional development as well as other critical aptitudes: Confidence, creative problem-solving, cultural awareness, communication, conflict resolution, collaborative empathy and self-awareness. Decreasing support for arts education limits the ability for low-income communities to envision the many possible pathways that exist in both arts and non-arts professions. The proposed cuts disproportionately impact students in those communities.

Check out our Recap of Spring Newsletter!

Learn more about the impact of Oakland Promise as we move toward our goals in our inaugural Oakland Promise Annual Report! 🎓

🚨 Calling All Black/Brown Urban Planners! 🚨 We need YOUR voice! The PA APA Student Engagement Committee is working on a special video aimed at inspiring the next generation of urban planners—specifically Black and Brown individuals—to pursue this dynamic and impactful career. Are you a Black planner with a unique journey or perspective to share? Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, we want to highlight your experiences and insights on what it means to navigate and thrive in urban planning as a minority. Your story can inspire and empower future generations of planners from underrepresented communities. 🔑 What we're looking for: Personal stories about your path into urban planning Challenges you've faced as a minority in the field Advice for aspiring minority planners The impact of diverse voices in shaping our cities 🗣️ Share your voice and make a difference! If you're interested in contributing a video testimonial, please DM me or email planning@indianaboro.com for more details. Please share with your network to spread the word and keep the conversation going about diversity in the Planning Field, and let’s inspire the future urban planners together!! 🌍🏙️ #BlackUrbanPlanners #DiversityInPlanning #RepresentationMatters #UrbanPlanning #PAAPA #FutureOfCities

🎥 Teaser Alert! Join Dr. Robert Peters as he delves into what Future-Focused initiatives look like for special education students, debunking common misconceptions along the way. Hear from Neely McKay, Director of Special Programs at Hermiston School District #8R#8R#8R, on the innovative approaches they're taking in Oregon. The full video drops tomorrow. #SpecialEducation #FutureFocusedSchools #EducationReform