CALL FOR LATINO/A TEACHING ARTISTS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

How I Became an Artista: A Cultural Literacy Program

How I Became an Artista is a cultural literacy program organized by CALA Alliance, Childsplay and ASU Art Museum that introduces elementary students in Metro Phoenix to the life and work of Latino/a and Latin American artists. Through reading, movement, and art-making, teaching artists in the visual and performing arts tell the story of how children become artistas who celebrate culture and make new traditions.

Established in 2011, this multi-faceted and interactive program has reached over 7,000 young children in 30 Metro Phoenix Title I elementary schools. Past programs focused on the life and work of Mexican artists Diego Rivera (The Diego Project: 2011-2013) and Frida Kahlo (The Frida Project: 2014-2016).

HOW I BECAME AN ARTISTA 2017: CELIA CRUZ

This year How I Became an Artista will focus on Cuban music legend Celia Cruz. During month-long school residencies in April-May 2017, students in third and fourth grade classrooms will participate in the following activities led by Phoenix teaching artists:

• Reading: Students will read the bilingual English/Spanish book My Name is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz by Monica Brown, and get a copy to take home.
• Critical Thinking: Students will learn about the life and work of Celia Cruz through musical/visual presentations and discussion.
• Movement and Art-Making: Students will create visual and movement-based works inspired by the art of Celia Cruz.
• Celebration: Students will exhibit and share their art in a family-friendly community celebration.