Adult and Community Education of Martha's Vineyard

One Day University on Arts, Culture, and Sustainability

Adult and Community Education of Martha’s Vineyard (ACE MV) is developing a “one-day university” on June 23, 2012 to explore the dynamic interactions between arts, culture and sustainability. The focus of this day is to encourage conversations across communities and areas of expertise within a variety of fields and domains, to integrate our knowledge and increase our resilience and sustainability as a community.

The ACE MV One-Day University invites proposals for interactive workshops, round table discussions, and gallery exhibits from any of the following vantage points:

●      experiences addressing sustainability issues directly

●      explorations that bring a perspective from the arts or cultural traditions

●      conversations that integrate the arts and/or culture while examining a particular question of sustainability

Sustainability topics might include: agriculture, education, commerce, health, science, food, environment, transportation, energy, technology, fisheries, tourism, climate change, construction, etc.

Arts and Culture experiences might draw from: dance, poetry, literature, music, drama, storytelling, architecture, sculpture, printmaking, film, video, photography, painting, language, indigenous cultures, immigrant communities, etc.

Interaction of sustainability with the arts and culture might bring forth workshops on biomimicry, storytelling for social change, personal sustainability through the arts, re-fashioned items from recycled materials, community culture centers that replace shopping malls or derelict factories and mills, sculpture gardens celebrating local history or commemorating events, and other possible collaborations, combinations and conversations.

This will be a diverse day beginning with a gallery tour, keynote speaker, workshops, demonstrations, round table discussions, and good food. Participants will include educators and students as well as year round and summer Vineyarders. College credit will be possible.

Proposal Formats:

1. Workshops (1 hr 15min or 3 hrs) Presenters will facilitate an interactive session for approximately 10-20 participants addressing the theme of Arts, Culture & Sustainability.

2. Participatory Round tables during lunch (2 minute presentation; 20-30 minute activity/discussion) Presenters share a 2-minute visual presentation (via Powerpoint or Prezi - 6 slides @ 20 seconds each, or short video) to give possible participants a feel for the activity or discussion the presenter will lead during the session. The participants will choose the activity or discussion they wish to be involved in after experiencing all the presentations. The presenter will then lead their 30-minute activity/discussion, which addresses the conference theme of Arts, Culture & Sustainability.

3. Gallery Exhibits (to be displayed for the duration of the conference) These visual items can be - but are not limited to - artwork (art installations, photography, painting, soundscapes, sculpture, multi-media installations - anything that can be installed/displayed for a weekend), collections of student work, documentation posters of programs, projects, or research, etc. that challenge participants to think deeply about our theme of Arts, Culture & Sustainability. Gallery items must include a write up of 200 words or less that poses a question or challenge for the observer and that includes contextual information the observer needs to engage with the exhibit.

If you are interested in being considered as a presenter/facilitator for a session, round table discussion or gallery exhibit, please provide the following information:

Name:                     Address:                         Phone:                            Email:

What would the topic be for your workshop, round table discussion or gallery exhibit? (Please indicate chosen proposal format.)

Briefly describe your proposal (200 words or less). Please include how the experience would be conducted, how attendees would participate, equipment or materials you would use and how much time or space you think you would need.

Please attach a brief biography or resumé that includes reference to your background on the topic and your experience as a facilitator and/or artist.

We are in the process of seeking additional funding. At this time, we can guarantee lodging, transportation, and participation in the day’s activities.

Thank you in advance for sharing your ideas, and for helping us put together an interesting and expansive day.  All proposals may be sent via email to: Sarah Monast, coordinator, odu@acemv.org, by no later than Monday, February 6^th, 2012.

     EIN number 26-3371336

           ACE MV Board of Directors

      India Rose, Chair      Susan Strane, Vice Chair         Harvey John Beth , Treasurer                 Julie Hitchings, Secretary 

Sterling Bishop       Nell Coogan       Johanna Kobran        Michelle Vivian       Norman Werthwein

Stephen K. Levine, Ph.D., D.S.Sc.       James H. Weiss, Ed. D.