Street Art as Curriculum Inquiry: Critical Reflection for Reimagining Education Rooted in Social Justice

• In Event: 45.022 - Community-Based Arts: Storying Identities and Praxis

Abstract

Street art prompts us toward critical reflection in order to reimagine a curriculum that is centered upon the futurity of our students and their communities. Thus, educators may lovingly shift the paradigm of the curriculum in order to seek education rooted in social justice. A primary goal of this paper is to utilize critical theory within a hybrid “third space” in order for educators to work toward a relevant and sustaining curriculum. A secondary goal of the paper is to center specific examples of Detroit street art, which will enable educators to meaningfully connect the community to their classrooms. Finally, the paper will consider implications for transformative teaching through a curriculum inspired by the street art of a community.

Author

• Kaitlin Elizabeth Popielarz, Wayne State University