Written by Tina LaPadula, Arts Education Project Manager

Thank you to all who attended the sixth annual Creative Advantage Arts Partner Summer Institute on August 15th at Seattle Art Museum. This event is a kick off to the school year for teaching artists, arts teachers, and community partners – a chance to come together in creative community, reflect on the past year and dream big together.

This year’s theme, “Exploring the local” was grounded by these questions:

• As our region is rapidly changing, how can learning that is rooted in art, culture and place help to foster a more creative and just future?
• What does it look like to center arts education on local histories and community narratives?
• How can we inspire ourselves and our students to connect with and respond to what surrounds us?

The day featured a rousing performance by hip-hop and R&B Artist Rosé Prosecco, alumni of the Residency program at MoPop, Lightning Talks from local creatives: Gabriel-Bello Diaz, Cynthia Brothers, Domonique Meeks, and Toyia Taylor. Creative response sessions led by artists Roger Fernandes, Sondra Segundo, and Asia Tail. Workshops in Ethnic Studies + Theatre of the Oppressed by Rachel Atkins & Jennifer Charlton; Stretching Practice to be Inclusive of Community by Amaranta Ibarra-Sandys, Farhiya Mohamed, & Kathlyn Paananen; and Making Moves with street style dancers Moonyeka and Anna Banana Freeze.

Extra gratitude to Regan Pro and the Seattle Art Museum education team for going the extra mile with generosity and grace.

All photos credited to Jenny Crooks.