Revitalizing Art + Design Education Through Expanded Notions of Community-Based Art Education

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Acknowledgments

The author extends her sincere gratitude to Enid Zimmerman for her generous mentorship and keen insights, and to her colleagues in the Art + Design Education department at the University of the Arts for their ardent dedication and gracious collegiality.

Discussion Questions

1. How can CBAE principles enhance teacher preparation programs to foster creative thinking and collaboration among future art educators? Discuss the implementation challenges and benefits of a CBAE-driven framework.

2. Outline and discuss specific strategies proposed in the article for revitalizing different aspects of an art + design education department, including facilities, faculty members, curricula, community engagement, and communication. How might these strategies be applicable to other educational contexts? Are there other curricular models that might be expanded?

3. In addressing challenges in urban teaching environments, how can a CBAE-driven approach help art educators navigate these unique circumstances and promote creativity within traditional educational systems? Share potential solutions and considerations for implementing such an approach.

Resources That Inspire Practice

Cohen, G. L. (2022). Belonging: The science of creating connection and bridging divides. Norton.

Jackson, M. (2023). Uncertain: The wisdom and wonder of being unsure. Prometheus Books.

Nobel, J. (2023). Project UnLonely: Healing our crisis of disconnection. Avery.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carolina Blatt-Gross

Carolina Blatt-Gross, Professor and Director of Art + Design Education, Art + Design Education Department, University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Email: [email protected]