February 2, 2023
Along with people across the country, we are reeling from the multiple acts of hate and violence against People of the Global Majority in the United States during the past month. We're committed to the collective effort to create a future where mass shootings and police violence are no longer part of our reality. We honor all of the emotions that may be coming up for you in this time, and hope you're able to find some care and ease.
We are reminded that these tragic events directly impact community arts educators and the communities they serve. Community arts education spaces are also often where community members go to process and heal—making this work more important than ever. As part of our Portal process, we’re developing ways to support community arts educators in the wake of tragedies and disasters—more to come.
Following the police murder of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, TN earlier this month, the Guild is mindful of our responsibility to enter communities with consciousness and intention. We will be traveling to Memphis next week for an organizational retreat, a staff & board session with our strategic planning consultants, and an in-person Community Space gathering with local community arts educators.
If you are part of the Memphis area community arts education field, we would love to see you at our Memphis Community Space at the National Civil Rights Museum on February 8th (6–8pm CT). We invite you to come as you are, and will honor all that may be surfacing for you right now. There will be space to share what you need and how we can support you—in this moment and beyond. Snacks and wine will be provided. If you have any questions, reach out to us at programs@nationalguild.org.
Published: February 02, 2023