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Using Art as Activism: Change Beyond School Borders

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Originally published in TEACH Magazine, September/October 2023 Issue

By Nikita Griffioen

I’ve always found that visual arts classes hold immense power within the school community. Although often written off as “just an elective,” the truth is that the practice of art within schools is of the utmost importance. Not only does it make space in a student’s day for creativity and provide a break from academics, it can also serve as art therapy or offer a chance to focus on something even bigger.

For the last few years, I have run an Art Activism class at the secondary school where I teach in British Columbia. This class is based on one big idea: art is a powerful tool for educating the public and for encouraging social change. Over the course of the semester, students learn about a social justice topic in-depth (such as homelessness or Black Lives Matter), including the history of the issue and its current events.

They also learn how to break down personal bias. I emphasize at the beginning of the course that we all come into the classroom with bias; it is a part of life, but one that must be addressed with critical thought.

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Nikita Griffioen currently teaches in Abbotsford, BC. When she’s not in class, you can find her traveling, snowboarding, surfing, reading, or making art.

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Nikita Griffioen
Nikita Griffioen
Nikita Griffioen currently teaches in Abbotsford, BC. When she’s not in class, you can find her traveling, snowboarding, surfing, reading, or making art.

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