"Transforming Lives Through the Creative Arts"

Bryn Mawr College - Bryn Mawr, PA

June 2-6 (Open Institute)
     June 2-9 (MA in Urban Studies Residency in partnership with Eastern University)

BuildaBridge Institute is a research and training institute designed to prepare artists, social service professionals, community and congregational leaders, youth workers and non profit organization personnel to integrate the arts effectively in education and community development. BuildaBridge Institute embraces the power of the arts in community outreach by teaching arts based tools for healing and empowerment, and efficient ways to implement them to better serve those in need.

I am working on lesson plans, and I want to send a special thanks. The training facilitated on assessments has really done wonders for my ability to develop quality curriculum and lesson plans! I LOVE RUBRICS! I LOVE RUBRICS!!! Learning how to correctly create them has really changed my life. Seriously, my classes are so much more effective because my lessons are so much more focused to the needs of the children. Please continue to offer quality training like this. Thank you! With Love, Brandi (Institute Alumni)

Program

Courses, divided in two simultaneous tracks, are offered in 1.5 to 2.5 hour blocks throughout the day, where participants learn foundational theory, arts education, arts management, applied arts methods and art skills. First time participants attend first track courses, while second time participants attend second track courses, as follows:

• Foundations for Arts in Transformation (Track 1)
• Arts and Spiritual Development (Track 1)
• Arts, Creativity and Human Development (Track 1)
• Arts in Education (Track 1)
• Organization for Community Arts featuring collaborative work and fund-raising (Track1)
• Arts in Healing (Track 2)
• Arts in Social Services (Track 2)
• Leadership Practicum (Track 2)
• Skills Development Workshops in different art mediums (e.g. transformational drama, drumming, dance, visual arts) and cross-cultural skills for community and overseas service (Track 1 and Track 2)
• Methods Lab Practicum where students and participants observe and assist a lead teacher in a direct arts service program with youth/seniors in a local homeless shelter (Track 1 and Track 2)

Returning participants have the option to attend on June 7 new courses on Arts Relief and Development.  More information is forthcoming. 

Act-48, undergraduate and graduate credit is available through Eastern University. An accredited Certificate for Arts in Transformation is also available.

BuildaBridge Institute is Eastern University's instructional partner in offering the MA in Urban Studies Arts in Transformation Concentration. Students attend the MA in Urban Studies Residency (June 2 - 9) as part of their curriculum work.

Registration

Class size is limited. We recommend that potential participants reserve their space in advance. Registration options are as follows:

1. Full registration for Track 1 or Track 2, which includes all course work, textbooks and supplies, is $550 (by May 25). An additional $255 covers 4 nights of room and board at Bryn Mawr College (overnight accommodation, 3 meals/day).
2. A single day rate of $175 includes registration and 2 meals. To see single day course offerings, check the Institute schedule.
3. Full Institute commuters can pay $120 for all meals (commuter meals include lunches and dinners from Wednesday to Saturday and lunch on Sunday).
4. Registration for Arts Relief and Development courses is $125.

If you would like to register, complete a registration form along with a medical and photo release and waiver of liability form and email them to institute@buildabridge.org or fax them at  215 842 2025. 

Online registration is also available.

Payment is made by check to BuildaBridge International, 205 West Tulpehocken, Philadelphia, PA 19144. 

Institute 2009 report (click to open)

Institute 2010 poster (click to open)

Funding and Scholarships

BuildaBridge Institute is funded through registration fees, local grants, educational and professional collaborations. Philadelphia co-sponsors have included Philadelphia Department of Human Services (Division of Community Based Prevention Services), The Philadelphia Association of Christian Schools, The Philadelphia Foundation, The Conwell Inn, The Corner Bakery, Shonghai Press, The Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy, St. Paul's Baptist Church, The Campolo College for Graduate and Professional Studies at Eastern University (Philadelphia), School District of Philadelphia: Office of Specialized Services - Homeless Children's Initiative, Citizens Charitable Foundation, Philadelphia Safe and Sound, Mellon Mid-Atlantic Charitable Trusts, Fox Chase Bank and Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. Every year, pending available funding, BuildaBridge Institute offers 5-10 scholarships that cover full registrations costs. For more information on available scholarships, please contact us at the above mentioned email address.