Dear Guild Family,
As I think about the journey we’re on in the field of community arts education, one thing is clear: we rise together. Our work is rooted in connection, in shared struggles and triumphs, and in the collective power we hold as a community. We are not just practitioners and leaders—we are part of a larger movement. And together, we are shaping the future of arts education, one that reflects our shared values of equity, creativity, and justice.
In every conversation I have with members, I hear the same desire for deeper connections and meaningful collaboration. We know that the challenges ahead are too big for any one of us to tackle alone, but together, our impact can be transformative. It’s not about what we lack—it’s about what we collectively have. The resources, knowledge, and passion we hold as a community are our greatest strengths.
That’s why I’m so excited to introduce our upcoming programs at the National Guild for Community Arts Education—programs that are designed to build our collective power and push us forward together:
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Guild Unity Networks are our way of bringing people together around shared passions and topics. These are spaces for us to collaborate, share wisdom, and create solutions that reflect the diversity and strength of our field. Whether you're focused on creative youth development, creative aging, or community arts schools, this is where we build solidarity.
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GuildCollectives offer a unique opportunity to connect with others in your region, fostering place-based collaboration that responds directly to the needs of your local community. This is where local action meets collective power—where we lift up our communities, together.
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Our Rootwork Rising Program is a continuation of our commitment to liberatory leadership and equity-driven practices. This program is about centering community and justice in all we do, and creating pathways to a future where arts education is a tool for liberation.
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We are also launching year-round Webinars and Workshops, which are more than just professional development. They are spaces to grow, to reflect, and to strengthen your ability to support your communities with new ideas and strategies that foster resistance and sustainability.
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And of course, CAELII (Community Arts Education Leadership and Intercultural Institute) continues to be one of our most transformative offerings. This program equips leaders with the tools to create lasting impact, and to envision a future where arts education is central to collective liberation.
But these programs are more than initiatives—they’re a call to action. They are spaces where we come together to dream bigger, act bolder, and stand in solidarity with one another. We are the architects of what comes next, and I believe that, together, we are capable of building something truly revolutionary.
In this critical time for our field, I invite you to step into the work ahead with us. All of us have something to offer—whether it’s experience, creativity, or the passion that drives our work—and now is the time to share those assets and harness our collective strength. This is how we build a future that centers equity, justice, and the transformational power of the arts.
I look forward to building, connecting, and thriving with you.
In solidarity and hope,
Quanice
Published: October 31, 2024