Resources / Ripples & Wipeouts

There are many ways to look at and learn from the world around us, as attendees of Cool Culture Fair 2009 discovered during this seventh annual event that included diverse workshops presented by a range of educators and artists. 

More than 450 people—including staff from early education centers and cultural institutions—had the chance to connect with each other and share their views on art and learning at the Culture Fair, All Hands On Deck: Crafting the Teachable Moment, which took place on March 26, 2009 at the South Street Seaport Museum in Manhattan. “We were so pleased and proud to host so many educators here through Cool Culture” says Margaret Flanagan, the Museum’s Director of Marine Education and Social Services Manager. “It was really inspiring to see that many people dedicated to using cultural resources to enrich the lives of kids.”

Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to speak with representatives of 53 cultural institutions from across all five boroughs, all of whom are Cool Culture partners.  “It is great that everyone is here at the same time because we can do a lot of outreach,” notes Calder Zwicky, a Community Outreach Consultant for the Museum of Modern Art who believes that Cool Culture’s mission is more important than ever. “As the arts continue to get cut in the public school systems, it falls on Head Start programs, museums and all these other organizations to make sure that the students still have access and exposure to the arts,” Zwicky explains.

“I’ve been with Cool Culture from the beginning and these are terrific fairs,” adds Lou Cesario, Director of Visitor Services and Volunteers for Brooklyn Botanic Garden. “Not only is it a chance for folks to pick up materials about the cultural institutions, but since the workshops have developed, it also provides an educational opportunity for everyone.”

Attendees could choose from 10 different workshops that explored the various ways in which educators and family members can expose children to exciting learning opportunities, using everything from performing arts to New York City itself. The workshops also focused on the importance of encouraging children to share their thoughts during these educational moments by embracing all of their many different viewpoints.

At one such workshop, Exploring Art, Objects & Artifacts: Round-Robin Interpretation, participants were asked to analyze items that ranged from paintings to ship equipment. As the participants shared their answers to the questions asked about each object, they were soon reminded that we all have unique ways of looking at things.

“This was an enjoyable experience,” adds Dorothy Richardson, Educational Director at Helen Owen Carey Child Development Center in Park Slope, Brooklyn. “It puts the person in touch with the place and tears down that wall of division.”

Click to find out more about Cool Culture.

-- Erin Cassin