Community Based-Arts Projects

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I believe some of the major concerns with the project were excluding other culture group in the community, appropriating the Native American totem-pole "style" in the artwork, not allowing much student voice, and in fear in lack of knowledge excluding valuable multicultural discussion and lesson. The author wasn't sure about participating in the project because she felt like she didn't know enough about the different cultures, but didn't take the extra step to research and learn the facts. Her only prior experience was cultural appropriation of Native Americans with headdresses and brown paper bags. She wasn't sure what direction to take with it.

Personally, I sometimes have this same worry because of lack of knowledge or experience with some cultural groups. If I don't have much prior knowledge about a culture's heritage or history, I might avoid the topic because I don't want to be offensive or give false information. I think after reading this article, it's ok to realize you might not know all the answers if you've never had experience with them before, HOWEVER, it's important to take the extra step and learn about the culture and traditions. When I have a student who's home culture differs from mine, I want to be able to still connect with that student and make him/her feel welcomed and safe. Putting myself in their shoes allows me to see their perspective. For example, if my family or I didn't participate in the popular culture it would be scary or uncomfortable having to fit in. As educators, it's essential we make our students comfortable and confident so they can be successful in their learning and social groups.

Reading about and reflecting on this project made me realize that if I'm working with a group of students and organizing a community-based art project, it's important to research and learn about the community or group you're working with. Don't be afraid to step back and let the community members take hold of their artwork and express their community values in the artwork. They know what their group represents and they should be the main voice in the project.

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Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 8, 2019 at 11:30 AM

    Abby,
    I agree with your comment that sometimes adding to a lesson a culture you're not very familiar with is nerve wracking. I think that is when we need to do our own research and learning (because as teachers we never stop learning new things!) I don't think it is fair to shy away from a topic or exclude anyone because of our own uncertainties, because all of our students deserve representation in our classroom. I like that you added the comment about people in the community or people a part of the culture know what they are about and can help with these kinds of projects. That's where I think collaboration is a huge part of community based projects.

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  2. AnonymousApril 8, 2019 at 5:16 PM

    Abby,
    I agree with you about sometimes feeling uncertain about the lack of knowledge about cultural groups but like you mentioned it is important as future educators to take it a step further and research and inform ourselves. Not only will it help us better understand our students but it can also help us feel more comfortable to be able to teach or share artist from different cultures to other students.

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