We are pleased to report that ICASC’s recent three days of Creative Conversations activities were, indeed, very creative events!

Day 1 - Over 200 participants attended the first very full day of dialogue and exchange that culminated with a provocative, elegant and rich evening presentation from Arlene Goldbard, our guest from San Francisco. (For full text of her presentation see below.)
We are delighted by the diversity and passion of the many people who came together to meet each other to explore our vital world of art for social change in the Lower Mainland. Senior artist/practitioners were joined by many people new to the field, including artists, educators, producers, health, justice sector, government, media and business professionals, who met each other, shared information about their work and began conversations about continuing exchange and possible collaboration, while also suggesting the many ways that ICASC could serve the local community. (Ms. Goldbard commented on the remarkable turnout as well as the clarity and generosity of the conversations.)

We are collating ideas and stories that surfaced during the day and will post them on our BLOG. We will also post a photo of the excellent graphic record created by artist, Avril Orloff.

Day 2 - A dialogue at Simon Fraser University with Arlene Goldbard explored the many challenges faced by artist/educators working in post-secondary settings whose teaching and research encompasses community-based/social change art practices. We explored issues ranging from establishing cross-sectoral connections with communities outside the academy to the challenges of working in structural “silos” and strictures within university contexts. This was a rich and thoughtful dialogue, one that will, no doubt, continue!

Day 3 - Nine members of the ICASC advisory met to discuss the draft curriculum of the Diploma in Art for Social Change. New ICASC Co-Director Dr. Lynn Fels, JMP Board Chair, Sally Douglas, Ms. Goldbard, Judith Marcuse, Amir Ali Alibhai, JMP board member, Darlene Haber, Curriculum consultant, Roxanne Madryga, Dr. Yael Harlap and ICASC administrator, Jen Bodmer had a very lively and productive drill-down into the extensive work that has been done on this program.... all of us buoyed by the US election results of the previous night!

Ongoing - We urge you to join our Creative Conversations by posting on the ICASC BLOG.
Thanks to all the wonderful staff and volunteers who made this day such a success. And to everyone who attended!