08 Apr 14th International Conference on The Arts in Society at Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon
SQx will be presenting “Creating Socially Conscious Artwork Designed to Disrupt Systemic Behaviours” Fourteenth International Conference on The Arts in Society, at Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon.
Place: Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon
Dates: June 19 – 21, 2019
2019 Special Focus: Art as Communication: The Impact of Art as a Catalyst for Social Change
The organizers write, “Art, in its diverse forms, constitutes a distinctive means of communication, allowing for dialogues in formal, informal and culturally plural contexts within society. Art opens windows to understanding social interactions. It provides an historical record of social evolution. Bringing discussion about art and reflection of its impacts within contemporary social contexts prompts us to consider questions of identity (human, natural and material). Can art then can exceed its primary goal of reflection, such that, through it, both culture and identity acquire new expressions? In this context, what kinds of new research and development endeavors are required, including active, collaborative and participative approaches?”
Our Presentation
Considering the conference focus, SQx is well-position to share the development of our new programs that were created to disrupt systemic issues in youth populations. Participants of our Interactive Dance Awareness Program identified that bullying, discrimination, racism grows-up to be harassment, violence, terrorism, hate crimes, loneliness, substance abuse, and suicide. However, through kindness, cooperation, selflessness, and by practicing getting along at a young age, we can embrace our differences, disagreements, and fear.
In terms of outcomes, our new programs promote the practice of friendship-building to disrupt systemic issues–because we do not have to be the same to be friends. Friendship-building also strengthens our attachment to schools and communities and encourages community resiliency, belonging, and vibrancy.
Furthermore, graduates of the new programs return to their communities as role models for demonstrating positive social behaviours and interpersonal skills. Most importantly, the programs provide transformative, meaningful experiences that increase belonging by disrupting systemic issues in at-risk communities through the lens of increased engagement and access to art, culture, and physical activity.
What’s more, for new programming, for investor accountability, we have implemented a strategic qualitative and quantitative long-term evaluation plan to test and guarantee programming effectiveness.