Streetside just went to D.C. to a meeting of
U.S. Department of Education grantees. We learned a lot about the work of amazing arts education organizations across the country, and had some vegetarian chili at
Ben's Chili Bowl too.
One of our fellow grantees,
Arts Connection, based in New York City, was kind enough to show us how they work their magic. We went to visit one of their storytelling programs at a Brooklyn elementary school. The program's students honed their oral communication skills as they moved around the classroom, playing theater games. Their joy at being part of it all was palpable. Thanks Arts Connection!
We also went to see the play
No Child..., written and performed by the amazingly talented Nilaja Sun. Ms. Sun has been a teaching artist in New York City schools for many years, and the play brought to life the heartbreaking contradictions of our educational system, the sometimes grueling process of getting to breakthrough moments with students, and the wonders that the arts work for hard to reach students. On the other hand, it was hilarious, with Ms. Sun playing characters from the school janitor to a passel of unruly students--often all at once. If you find yourself in New York, don't miss it.
