The Arts as a Catalyst for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Connecting Arts Integration to Social Justice

• In Event: Social Studies: Learning Outside of the Classroom

Abstract

This paper presents two long-term case studies to critically examine the role and impact of integrating visual, musical and performance arts in youth learning and curriculum both in and out school. Using a mixed-methods approach that applies quantitative and qualitative, ethnographic methods and multiple stakeholder surveys drawn from independent evaluations of educational programs led by two San Francisco Bay Area cultural institutions, this paper considers what happens when informal educators infuse the arts into youth learning. These case studies demonstrate how arts integration can serve as a meaningful context to engage culturally and linguistically diverse students in learning that intentionally draws on both teaching artists’ and young people’s unique interests, experiences, and cultural resources.

Authors

• Scott Burg, Rockman et al

• Alex M. Gurn, Rockman et al