T
he BuildaBridge Institute is a training and applied research academy designed to prepare artists, youth workers, community and congregational leaders, teachers, social service professionals, and nonprofit organization personnel to integrate the arts effectively in education, social services and community development. The Institute includes two simultaneous tracks: a Foundations track for first-time participants and an intermediate track for second time participants. First track courses include Foundations for Arts in Transformation; Arts, Creativity and Human Development; Arts in Education; Art and Spiritual Development; Organizing for Community Arts including collaborative work and fund-raising. Second track courses include Arts in Healing, Arts in Social Services, and Leadership Practicum.
Participants of both tracks will attend 1) the Methods Lab Practicum, which give participants an opportunity to observe and assist a Master teacher in a direct urban-based arts service program with youth/seniors in a local shelter/nursing home; and 2) Skills Development Workshops in different art mediums (transformational drama, visual arts, conscious drumming and cross-cultural skills for community and overseas service.
A special one-day Arts Relief course constitutes the beginning of a third track training in psychological first aid and the role of the arts in disaster relief.
BuildaBridge Institute Facts
Since 2007, the Institute has partnered with Eastern University's School for Social Change to offer a Master's Degree in Urban Studies, Arts in Transformation Concentration. Graduate students attend the Institute on June 1-9 as part of their curriculum work.
Now in its 11th year in 2012, the Institute has trained more than 525 professionals worldwide, and has attracted a faculty of 85 professionals in the field. In an impact study by public policy graduate students form Drexel Univerisity, 70% of Institute participants reported applying BuildaBridge methods in their community work. Highlights of the celebration included an Alumni Formal Dinner & Symposium, Alumni & Artist Exhibit coupled with a special gift presentation from Dr. Joseph Modica, longtime Eastern University and BuildaBridge Institute faculty member.
International participants have attended from Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Palestine, Norway, Scotland, Canada, Haiti, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Caribbean.
Announcing BuildaBridge 2012 Institute
Open Institute June 6-10
Arts Relief June 11
Graduate Residency June 6-14
Links:
Engaging the Creative Arts for Child and Youth Resilience
Registration Open for BuildaBridge Institute 2012
Online registration is now open for the 11th annual BuildaBridge Institute 2012.
Full registration for Track 1 or Track 2 includes all continental breakfasts, lunches, the Wednesday BBQ and the Saturday Alumni Symposium Dinner. Cost is $575 if registered by May 15th. Cost is $550 if registered before May 15th.
Specialized One-Day Course registration includes continental breakfast and lunch. Cost is $115 for either Arts Relief or Introduction to Restorative Discipline Practices.
NEW THIS YEAR! Introduction to Restorative Practices course description
The social science of restorative practices is an emerging field of study that enables people to restore and build relationships and community in an increasingly disconnected world. Taking its beginnings from the Restorative Justice movement, Restorative practices is a practical approach to interacting with students, and is a set of techniques & philosophies that can be applied in any context. In schools, the use of restorative practices has been shown to reliably reduce misbehavior, bullying, violence and crime among students and improve the overall climate for learning. An alternative to punishment-focused discipline, the fundamental unifying hypothesis of restorative practices is disarmingly simple: that human beings are happier, more cooperative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes in their behavior when those in positions of authority do things with them, rather than to them or for them. This hypothesis maintains that the punitive and authoritarian to mode and the permissive and paternalistic for mode are not as effective as the restorative, participatory, engaging with mode in helping students take responsibility for their behavior. Introduction to Restorative Practices introduces parents, teachers, youth & family workers, police, administrators, and government officials to restorative practices, and provides techniques that can be used immediately.
Links:
Questions? Call us at 215-842-0428 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
BuildaBridge Institute 2011 Photo Report
The BuildaBridge Institute 2011 in Pictoral Report.
BuildaBridge Institute 2011 Report
Read the Institute Report online.
History of the Institute
The beginnings of the BuildaBridge Institute reside in Costa Rica. In 1997, BuildaBridge led a multi-ethnic team of artists to lead a Music and Drama Institute in Limon. At the conclusion of the institute and upon evaluation of the program, we learned that while artists can be very good in their discipline, they often lack skills in teaching. We were also concerned about effectiveness and impact. Thus the idea for a training institute was born. Returning two years later, we conducted our own research and found that both training and overseas collaborative programs could be effective. Recognizing the need work in broken and traumatized communities, the Institute moved its emphasis to training for the civic and community context.
More About the Institute
Learning Environment
We value the interactive, experiential and tactile strategies in learning about the arts. We value the need for an environment that provides a sociological context in which practitioners learn and work. We value instructors who have both experience and knowledge in community arts and who have demonstrated ability to relate these to a diverse student population. We value the experience of practitioners who bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and questions to the learning environment. We value the concerns of leaders and educators who may not be performing artists but who seek to use the power of arts in transformation. We value artists who seek to place their gift in the service of others.
Therefore, BuildaBridge Institute is designed to take place within an urban context and to involve faculty with the experience, knowledge and characteristics expressed in the values above. Faculty and participants are encouraged to discuss ways to improve how the arts are used to bring community transformation. While some courses are offered for specific needs, other courses are planned to encourage cross-disciplinary interaction. We further seek to provide opportunities for collaborative art making within the Institute.
How the Institute Works
The Institute, in consultation and planning with a local committee, runs from four to seven days. Participants may become a full Institute participant for courses throughout the entire program, or they may elect to attend for one day or for a specific course (see registration form for details). To meet the needs of diverse audiences, the Institute culminates in a celebration, or creative worship experience, where participants and community groups are invited to share artistic skills. Site visits to model faith-based community arts programs are offered following the Institute proper.
Institute Courses
Courses for the Institute are in four categories: Foundational Theory, Arts Management and Education, Applied Arts and Collaborative Art-Making. All courses are offered in a five - day residency; however, on-line courses and podcasts are in development.
Overseas Programs
BuildaBridge International has a number of long-term relationships with organizations around the world. Throughout the year, Institutes are held in collaboration with these host partners. Each overseas Institute has a general educational theme. For example, in the Republic of Georgia, the focus is on the study of iconic art and economic development. Interested students should check the annual International schedule for potential international Institutes.
Internships
In partnership with a number of community arts organizations in Philadelphia (and other cities of the United States and overseas), six-month internships are possible through The Institute. The internship allows students to gain practical skills in community arts management and performance skills by applying theoretical knowledge and art skills under the supervision of a successful artist/community practitioner.
Application should be made with the Institute coordinator three months prior to the expected start date of the internship. An intern is expected to sign a covenant and maintain weekly rehearsals and meetings with his or her host organization. Regular reporting to the Institute coordinator, as well as a final report are required for satisfactory completion of the internship.
Goals of the BuildaBridge Institute and Training
The BuildaBridge Institute is a training and applied research academy designed to prepare artists, youth workers, community and congregational leaders, teachers, social service professionals, and nonprofit organization personnel to integrate the arts effectively in education, social services and community development. The Institute includes The Annual Institute in Philadelphia, monthly trainings at the BuildaBridge House, International Trainings as part of Diaspora of Hope and Arts Relief and Development, and the Online Institute. BuildaBridge offers a graduate level Arts in Transformation concentration in the M.A. in Urban Studies program through an educational alliance with Eastern University.
Goals
Outcomes for all Institute programs
Outcomes for all Institute participants
Institute Alumni Celebration Exhibition 2011
Celebrate the tenth anniversary BuildaBridge Institute. Contribute to a unique gallery exhibit Sunday afternoon at the close of the Institute. One element of the art exhibit highlights collaborative art-making and the lessons learned during our first Artist's Retreat. Alumni are also asked to share the Institute's impact on their arts programming and work through information and artwork displays. The exhibit is open to the public plus current Institute attendees and guests are invited to engage in dialogue with alumni about their displays. In this way, our celebration of past attendees' achievements will also be a teaching tool for current students as they learn about how Institute concepts have been applied in life, experience, and work.
Sunday, June 5, 2011 from 1-2:30pm
Eastern University Falls Center Campus
3300 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
If you are an alumni or past faculty member and would like to participate, please email us at
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for more information or to secure a limited spot.
Institute 2011 Registration
Register now for the 2011 BuildaBridge Institute. Follow this link to the online registration form.
Pricing Cost of the Institute 2011
Open Institute Registration
Full Registration is $575 for both tracks Single Day Rate. Consult schedule for courses each day Single Day, inclusive of registration and 2 meals (lunch and dinner).
- Wednesday, June 1 ($100 Registration, $25 2-Meal package)
- Thursday, June 2 ($135 Registration, $40 3-Meal package)
- Friday, June 3 ($135 Registration, $40 3-Meal package)
- Saturday, June 4 ($135 Registration, $40 3-Meal package)
Arts Relief one-day training course:
Monday, June 6 Registration $99 Arts Relief one-day training course
Payment and Registration
Please write two separate checks, one for room and board and one for registration costs. Please make checks payable to BuildaBridge International with "Institute registration" or "Institute room/board" in the memo line. Do not send cash. We are requesting checks in an effort to save 3-6% service charges through online and credit card payments. Some scholarships may be available depending on funding. No full scholarships are provided and applicants are asked to contribute something.