We welcome proposals that address issues and concerns in art education and art in society. The following topics are only a guide for proposals.

Please submit your proposal and direct questions to USSEA Outreach Committee Chair Vida Sabbaghi at submission@aninclusiveworld.com.  

Click here for USSEA Conference Proposal Form

Topic 1: INCLUSION IN LEARNING COMMUNITIES

In the 21st century, understanding how to live and interact with diversity becomes increasingly important. The conference will offer ethical perspectives for dealing with stigmatization based on cultural identity and other forms of differences, such as religion, race, gender, sexuality, and learning abilities. The social experience of people within a learning community opens the possibility that their own views may be enriched through exposure to the perspectives of others.

In summary, how can we meet the greater demand for inclusion in the:

  •      Public School System
  •      Cultural Art Institutions
  •      Community Outreach

 

Topic 2: EFFECTIVE TOOLS FOR DIVERSE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN THE MUSEUM

In recent decades museums use visual thinking strategy (VTS), and other participatory, collective modules to connect with diverse groups of people. Rather than using the content knowledge of a museum collection, the goal is to draw on the visitors’ interactions with the artworks. Museum access programs use a variety of tactile and VTS tools to engage and sustain the interest of diverse people. With the growing demand of meeting everyone’s needs, museums are faced with challenges to foster a productive learning experience. What methods are effective to create group collaborative efforts for family members, and community residents?

 Examples of methodologies:

  •         Play and learning
  •         Community benefits
  •         Performance
  •         Exhibitions
  •         Family members and community residents

 

Topic 3: DEBATING THE STIGMA OF “OUTSIDER ART”

The term “Outsider Art” has been a popular, and controversial topic. Some see it as empowering a group of people who are placed on the periphery of the mainstream, while others view the term as a marketing tool to gain more visibility for a marginalized population. On the other hand, “Outsider” also has the potential to stereotype and further marginalize the population. How might we: 

  •         Disempower stereotyping
  •         Bridge communities through the arts
  •         Foster an innovative space in which we respect each other’s differences

 

Topic 4: ART AND SOCIAL PRACTICE

Art and social practice provide creative solutions to socio-political issues. What is the role of aesthetics in politically and socially engaged art? Is the debate concerning aesthetics versus socio-politics still relevant in the art world? How might this conversation be enriched through dialogue in the classroom, museum, and arts organization?

How art projects might be viewed as potential models for:                                      

  •         Daily Life
  •         Social and environmental sustainability
  •         Participatory Democracy
  •         Dialogue
  •         Globalism
  •         Problem Solving

 

Topic 5: HIGH AND LOW TECH TOOLS FOR 21St CENTURY ART EDUCATION 

In the 21st Century there is a growing need for educators to use technology so that students have the skills to compete in a global work place. Accessibility and integration of technology is a growing concern, particularly in the classroom. Educators need to provide high-tech tools, but are faced with the economic disparities in underserved communities.

How can educators use high and low-tech tools to differentiate for:

  •         English language learners
  •         Heterogeneous class populations
  •         Students with a variety of needs
  •         Artists for aesthetic expressions

 

Please submit your proposal and direct questions to USSEA Outreach Committee Chair Vida Sabbaghi at submission@aninclusiveworld.com.  Click here for USSEA Conference Proposal Form

Policy: 

Free Wifi will be available for presenters.

I will defend and hold harmless An Inclusive World, USSEA and InSEA its officers, and agents against claims of copyright, trademark, patent or intellectual property rights infringement, and against other claims made by third parties as a result of my presentation; and 

I grant to An Inclusive World and USSEA permission to photograph, record, or videotape my presentation at the 2015 USSEA Regional/InSEA endorsed Conference. I grant to An Inclusive World and USSEA a limited, non-exclusive license to use and reproduce such photographs, records, or videotapes on its website, in its publications, and in videotapes, CDs, and other media presentations about the USSEA Regional Conference. 

I consent to An Inclusive World and USSEA editing my presentation and artworks for its use on its website, in its publications, and in videotapes, CDs, and other media presentations. 

My presentation will not defame, slander, or libel any person, firm, or corporation. 

My presentation will be professional and shall not denigrate An Inclusive World and USSEA and programs, or representatives in any manner.

Queens Museum, An Inclusive World and USSEA are not responsible for any loss or damage of materials sustained during the time of the conference. 

An Inclusive World and USSEA are not responsible in case of cancellation of weather condition or other unforeseen circumstances.