Harvard Education PR Social Justice Art: A Framework for Activist Art Pedagogy

In this lively and groundbreaking book, arts educator Marit Dewhurst examines why art is an effective way to engage students in thinking about the role they might play in addressing social injustice. Based on interviews and observations of sixteen highschoolers participating in an activist arts class at a New York City museum, Dewhurst identifies three learning processes common to the act of creating art that have an impact on social justice: connecting, questioning, and translating. Noting that “one of the challenges of social justice art education has been the difficulty of naming effective strategies that can be used across multiple contexts,” Dewhurst outlines core strategies for an “activist arts pedagogy” and offers concrete suggestions for educators seeking to incorporate activist art projects inside or outside formal school settings. Social Justice Art seeks to give common language to educators and others who are looking to expand and refine their practices in an emerging field, whether they work in art education, social justice programming, or youth development. From the Back Cover <div>In this groundbreaking book, arts educator Marit Dewhurst examines ways that art can effectively empower students by engaging them in social justice projects. Drawing on interactions with New York City high school students,<i> Social Justice Art </i>identifies core strategies for an &#8220;activist art pedagogy&#8221; and offers concrete suggestions for incorporating activist art projects inside or outside formal school settings.<br><br> &#8220;In a voice that is at once intimate and rigorous, subtle and discerning, skeptical and celebratory, Marit Dewhurst probes the layers and boundaries of what she calls the &#39;pedagogy of activist art.&#39; Her voice plays in duet with those of the young artists whose discourses offer resistance and critique, insight and transparency, into the prevailing inequalities and injustices that divide and oppress their communities. <i>Social Justice Art </i>is a beautifully composed work of witness and wisdom, a practical and inspiring guide for practitioners, and an advance in theory and methodological innovation for researchers.&#8221; &#8212; <b>Sarah Lawrence-Lightfoot</b>, Emily Hargroves Fisher Professor of Education, Harvard University, and author of <i>The Essential Conversation</i><br><br> &#8220;This book is a fantastic contribution to the growing body of social justice arts education literature, rich with examples of curriculum, pedagogical tips, and wonderful student art. Marit Dewhurst shows how the justice-seeking energy of young artists can be shaped for personal development and public good.&#8221; &#8212; <b>Therese Quinn</b>, associate professor of art history and director of museum and exhibition studies, University of Illinois at Chicago<br><br> &#8220;Marit Dewhurst&#39;s new book provides an excellent introduction to the world of activist art education&#8212;an arena in which students experience their potential as agents of change and social justice. A must-read for any educator who strives to awaken social responsibility and empower individual voices.&#8221; &#8212;<b> Jessica Hoffmann Davis</b>, author of <i>Why Our Schools Need the Arts</i><br><br><b>Marit Dewhurst</b> is the director of art education and an assistant professor in art and museum education at The City College of New York. Prior to these roles, she founded and coordinated In the Making, The Museum of Modern Art&#8217;s free studio arts program for teens.</div> About the Author Marit Dewhurst is the director of art education and an assistant professor in art and museum education at The City College of New York, USA. Prior to these roles, she founded and coordinated In the Making, The Museum of Modern Art’s free studio arts program for teens in New York City.