Washington Forum on the Future of Our Children
July 18, 2000 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.

The forum was called to order by Forum Chair, Mrs. Fulbright.

Educational Reform

Mr. Howard Spector opened the discussion of educational reform by calling attention to art organizations that are currently partenering with school districts in conducting art programs and projects. Americans for the Arts is developing a large database that will include such information.

Ms. Lynne Boone Clement spoke about Singapore, which she described as a center for the arts for virtually all of South East Asia. Ms. Clement believes that the U.S. may benefit from studying Singapore’s model on the Arts.

Dr. Ashfaq Ishaq concurred that the focus of the arts must extend itself internationally. Perhaps Americans for the Arts should extend itself internationally.

Mrs. Fulbright mentioned a major three-year strategy for the arts. This plan, which will be conducted in Australia, would serve as an excellent model for the United States.
Mr. Steve Moseley outlined the concept of “city school mapping,” which he believes could include the arts and serve as a resource. He moved on to the internal structures of school systems. In the case of many developing countries, arts are far from first on the agenda. Mr. Moseley concluded that we should help to rebuild the school systems within these countries, despite their lack of focus on the arts.

Ms. Clement spoke about the correlation between conflict and violence in schools and the presence (or absence) of the arts in those schools. She is convinced that a correlation exists, and believes that studies should be conducted to support this idea.

Ms. Patricia Mitchell presented two opposing perceptions of art. Art may be perceived as having no merit or value, or it can be perceived as valuable and essential. The growth and development of the latter attitude view would require educational transformation and campaigns for the arts. Ms. Mitchell also noted the link between the arts and public policy, and how community-building projects can draw upon the arts as a resource.

Children and the Digital Revolution
Ms. Sharon Flynn began the discussion on children and the digital revolution by addressing non-commercial web sites which will serve as arts and culture resource centers for teens. The web sites will be operating within the next six months.

Ms. Kathryn Wittneben mentioned support and outreach activities sponsored by her organization. Activities include four youth-run plays and five additional projects by young people. The activities target the marginalized population of today’s youth, comprised of gay and lesbian teens, teens that have eating disorders, and both perpetrators and victims of hate crimes. Ms. Wittneben also spoke of running websites that will be named “Family Voices”. These websites will serve as support centers for young people.

Ms. Clement spoke of the importance of using the media to its full potential. She argued that the Digital Revolution may be put to use as a resource for people who have little access to professional resources. Ms. Clement also made mention of the practice of internet privacy screening within schools. Screening may protect children from certain materials, but may also hinder them from learning to make their own decisions.

Ms. Mitchell continued the discussion and raised the issue of internet screening as a necessity. She said that giving children access to un-filtered material is inconceivable.

Ms. Clement then brought up a concern about the hidden nuances in contracts, and argued that funders’ motives be under careful attention. She feels that many of these companies seem to be buying their way into the arts.

Ms. Suzanne Clarke furthered the point by arguing that even the public interest media, such as National Public Radio (NPR), is filled with commercials and advertisements that taint and bias children’s decisions today.

Ms. Mary Liniger Hickman stated that the public is almost never exposed to what is positive for children because it is not in the interest of the media to broadcast such information. Hickman mentioned the recent hospital discharge of the young Washington National Zoo shooting victim. There had been more than enough coverage of the actual shooting, yet Channel 8 News was the only television media source to give the child’s recovery air time. She concluded by stating that the media tends to cover their negative experiences without shedding light upon the resilience of these children.

Ms. Avideh Shashaani introduced an online mentorship program called The Digital Project for Kids. This project allows children to participate in mentorship and support activities, a university program, and a writers’ guild. Through the programs children will receive academic and emotional support and will have an opportunity to share and develop ideas together. Ms. Shashaani also made mention of her organization’s partnership with after-school programs, which is aimed towards forming a common interest in educating and promoting the arts.

Children’s Creativity
Dr. Ashfaq Ishaq introduced the International Child Art Foundation (ICAF). He explained that two ideas helped to shape ICAF: 1) Giving art an international dimension; and 2) Asking the question, “What is beyond art?”

Dr. Ishaq’s said ICAF’s vision is to help children understand that through art they can “take risks without any negative consequences.” He would like to help people to see art as a means of cross-cultural communication, cooperation and creativity. In response to the question “What is beyond art?,” the answer is art education. Dr. Ishaq spoke of the impressive response to ICAF’s first global art creation program. Dr. Ishaq believes that the program’s significant draw is an indication of the need for promotion of the arts. He feels that it is essential for children to have access to this type of program to ensure that they continue to be creative. Children should also be allowed to exhibit their work as adults do, to give them an opportunity to see that their work and ideas are indeed valued.

Dr. Ishaq concluded, “We all view children as consumers but we never view them as creators.” Through their production and creativity, children can help each other. He stated that we are on the cusp of a new millennium and that we can help build children’s confidence by teaching them to communicate and cooperate through the creation of art.

Ms. Mitchell shifted the conversation to the topic of accountability and acceptance of the arts. She blamed the bureaucracy for stifling child creativity, and for putting pressure on artists to justify themselves. The idea of art as “food for the soul”, she said, is not a mainstream concept within the bureaucracy of schooling.

Mr. Spector concurred on the issue of accountability and added that the subjects being taught in schools are unfortunately the same subjects children will encounter in standardized tests and other exams.

Ms. Clarke outlined some ideas on how to bridge the gap between parents and schools. She suggested that programs that involve parents and children working side by side could solve the problem.

Ms. Shashaani argued that a powerful solution is to mobilize parents in the community and lobby for reforms in the existing school system. A web site could be set up to act as a place for people to voice their opinions.

Ms. Clement concurred and argued for the need to increase public awareness through the realm of art.

Ms. Hickman described her organization’s involvement in the public arts, whereby public art produces revenue and public projects such as community mural and building projects are supported.

Mr. Reuben Musgrave spoke about the American Architectural Program, a new project to be conducted this fall as a part of the Head Start Program. The project will involve both parents and children and will include field trips focused on art, architecture, mathematics, and design. This year’s recipient won the award for restoring “shotgun houses” in the Third Ward and creating daycare centers for teenage mothers in their place. He stated how instrumental the arts were in preserving that historic neighborhood block.

The forum concluded with all parties agreeing that it is essential to improve arts education and opportunities on every level and that each organization must help foster an environment where the arts can flourish. By uniting and working together, we can help promote positive change for further development in the arts.

The Forum is organized by the International Child Art Foundation on bi-monthly basis. Participation is by invitation.