How Can I Increase My Students Cultural Awareness?
Today, with a cell phone anyone can access any information about anything, going on anywhere in the world from any where else on the planet. This evolution of the Internet has had two profound effects on global dynamics; First, it brings different cultures into more intimate contact that ever before. Whether they like it or not. Second, this instantaneous access to unlimited information does not provide a context for understanding. In fact, it can contribute to a narrow focus, reinforcing misunderstanding, prejudice, and intolerance.
There are two ways in which we learn about bygone cultures - from the wars they fought and the arts they produced. Given a choice, anthropologists prefer to study the artistic artifacts of a society. In spite of the predominance of American Pop Culture, analysis and study of the art produced by a country, culture, or ethnic group provides you with insight into what is important to them, why, and how those beliefs shape their behavior.
A facility with and an openness to understanding people different than ourselves will become more and more crucial as this country continues to engage with other nations in today's increasingly complicated global politics.
We can do a professional workshop on how you can start your own "Global Neighborhood" project or conduct a residency implementing this innovative program in your school as a residency.
Other Materials: "The Arts Equation" by Program Director and Co-Founder, Bruce Taylor
Mr. Taylor laid his theatrical foundation at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London, England. Since graduating, he has been hired in almost every capacity that can be found in professional theatre. While pursuing his vocation as a production manager and stage director, his avocation was working with teachers and kids as part of his desire to do his part to ensure the future for the arts. His skills have been utilized by dozens of companies as diverse as the O'Neill Theatre Center, the New York Philharmonic, Royal Opera House (London), Pacific Northwest Dance, Wagner's RING Festival in Seattle, and the Orchestra of St. Luke's in New York City. He is the originator of the internationally recognized Creating Original Opera, now managed by Education at the Met in New York City.
His philosophy and techniques can be reviewed in detail by reading his book "The Arts Equation" published by Watson-Guptil - available through Amazon.com