Creating Identity Program

This interdisciplinary program for 7th-graders empowers students to explore their creativity and build an expression of their identity, which are essential to developing positive social and communication skills. Under the guidance of Fulcrum Point teaching artists students create a body of work in creative writing, poetry, visual art, and music. This twelve-week program is collaborative with language arts instructors, visual arts programs, and virtual  music programming. The collective results of the students’ works are then assembled to create an ‘Identity Box’ which is an expression of both inner identity as well as out persona. 

Utilizing new art music as a catalyst within a creative writing/arts program, the students listen to music, enter into a contemplation and discussion with teaching artists and then create a body of written, musical and visual work that express their feelings and experiences. An intrinsic part of the process is cultivating the ability to verbally articulate experiences, concepts, thoughts and conclusions. In preparation for a final presentation the students are coached on powerpoint creation,  public speaking, and stage deportment.  

Creating Identity culminates in a field trip to an art center like the Stony Island Arts Bank or Zhou Brothers Gallery, where they engage with professional artists and showcase their creations. 

CURRICULUM:

Music: rhythm, harmony, melody, texture, structure, integrated into Audiotool online composing platform

Writing: poetry, journal, essay, critique, short stories

Art: sketching, graffiti, watercolor, and collage integrated into a personal Identity Box

FINAL PERFORMANCE:

The program culminates in a field trip to a renowned art institution to engage with professional artists and showcase their work; past sites have included the Stony Island Arts Bank and Zhou B Art Center.The students present their Identity Boxes to the public, classmates, parents, and teachers, sharing poems, songs, and art work, while building expressive skills and confidence.

If you are an educator who is interested in including this program in your curriculum, please contact Stephen at stephen@fulcrumpoint.org for more information.