Artivism: The Power of Art for Social Transformative Life Progressing Experiences

Artivism aims to generate community through multi-disciplinary teamwork for a more dignified and meaningful coexistence, however you define these terms. The goal of this initiative is to nurture confidence in taking continuous action from wherever you are by means of reciprocity. We will explore how to develop the infrastructures needed in creating programs and refer to strategies through case studies within the Artivism network and organizations using the arts. Participants will be inspired by this session to incorporate art in their own practices to nurture confidence in their students, creating a mindset pertaining to inclusiveness and diversity. Using this interdisciplinary and interactive approach, students gain a better understanding of their class subjects/studies, enabling life progressing experiences that may foster change for a more just and dignified society.
The connections and networking made possible by Artivism will be discussed. Examples of multi-generational interdisciplinary based learning and the use of art will be explored through: The Artivism design poster, student ambassador program, establishment of the Artivism club, to name a few. Participants experience community building and the concept of art as a human right from lessons using art history as a basis for learning about different cultures, and through hands-on arts projects, to better understand not only how to practice these rights but how to better convey their messages. This workshop will also focus on how Artivism’s efforts build relationships with various communities, empowering them through education and multi-generational involvement.

Presenters’ Bios:

Carolina Cambronero Varela, M.A. is engaged in community endeavors that promote a better environment and future through the arts and peace education. She believes these are human rights that will guide all, primarily children, to a deeper understanding of the power of transformation that each person has within. Carolina envisions the creation of these opportunities as integral components for a dignified life (please refer to The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, 1966).
While at Columbia University, Carolina was president of Student Advocates for the Arts, co-chair of the Peace Education Network, and program representative in the Arts and Humanities Department Student Council. She also became a member of Kappa Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Global Citizens Club, and Columbia’s University Life Events Council.
Carolina co-founded and co-produces the initiative Artivism: The Power of Art for Social Transformation, an ongoing, multimodal collaboration sponsored by Sing for Hope, Adelphi University and Gottesman Libraries, Teachers College, Columbia University.

Argie Moutafis Agelarakis, M.A. is a scientific/archaeological illustrator and painter. She earned her B.F.A. at The School of Visual Arts and her M.A. at Adelphi University. Drawing from her experience in archaeology, anthropology, and art, she has developed courses in technical drawing in archaeology and forensics, scientific illustration, food-culture-and art, ethnobotany, the benefits of art programs within the criminal justice system, and classes that explore the relationship of art and science.
She co-founded and co-produces Artivism: The Power of Art for Social Transformation, now in its fourth season. The initiative hosts weekly presentations by artivists and organizations worldwide that aim to inspire social change through the power of art. Argie teaches at Adelphi University and the School of Visual Arts, is a board member at The Center for the Women of New York (CWNY), an Advisory Council Member and Workshop Facilitator with Felicia’s Promise, and board member at The Hellenic Women’s Alliance. She hopes to inspire change through the arts for a more just and humane society, creating programs and network opportunities for her students and members of the community.

Guest Presenters:

Dr. Stephanie Lake, Director of the Criminal Justice Program, Adelphi University, Melissa Leaym-Fernandez (Art Education & Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Penn State University), Garyfalia Terizaki (Preschool Educator, Head of the Children’s Section, Trifylia Library, Greece), and Tereza Buskova (Artist and Educator, UK).