Program Description
In partnership with BuildaBridge International (BI), the Campolo School for Social Change at Eastern University offers a certificate program for teachers, community and church leaders, artists and social service providers seeking to develop their knowledge and skills utilizing the arts in service and community mission. Through BI’s Institute for the Church and Community Arts (ICCA), the program integrates and encourages the development of art, faith, theology and leadership.
At the completion of the certificate program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of basic biblical foundations, spiritual formation, and Christian leadership.
- Articulate a clear philosophical and theological basis for the arts in community service.
- Develop initial program and fundraising plans.
- List critical indicators for a successful community arts program.
- Understand the role art plays in the spiritual and psychological development of children and youth.
- Understand the impact of the arts on learning and cognition.
- Demonstrate the theoretical and technical foundations of one art form.
- Develop networks for support.
Requirements
Component I: Two one-week intensive institutes delivered in Philadelphia and/or abroad. The institutes include the required foundation courses (see back panel), the required applied arts course (prerequisite to internship), as well as elective skills and methods courses.
Component II: A six-month internship offered through ICCA with a local community arts organization. The student is assigned to a local artist master and the master’s community/church arts organization.
Component III: A strategic plan for a community-based arts program, including start-up, fundraising and development plans.
Internship
In partnership with community arts organizations in Philadelphia, US cities and urban areas overseas, ICCA offers six-month internships. These allow students to gain practical skills in community arts management and performance under the supervision of a successful artist/ community practitioner. Application should be made three months prior to the internship’s start date. A signed covenant and weekly rehearsals, as well as meetings with the host organization, are required. Regular reports and a final report are also required to satisfactorily complete the internship.
Foundation Courses
Arts Based Community Development and Ministry (Required)
This 10-hour course presents an overview of the field of Arts-Based Community Development. Topics included are: Starting and Managing the Community-based Arts Program, Evaluating Program Impact, Fundraising, and Arts Leadership. Students will gain knowledge in planning, directing, and evaluating community based arts programs.
Theological and Philosophical Foundation for the Arts (Required)
This 10-hour course lays the foundation for a philosophical and theological basis for using the arts in serving communities. Both aesthetic and functional theories of art will be considered while viewing personal and community transformation from a holistic perspective. The course will consider the role of the arts in bringing about economic, political and social justice and in combating social evil. The various theologies that motivate those involved in community development and ministry using the arts will be explored.
Additional courses are offered as part of ICCA’s annual programming.
For further information and to register contact:
Dr. J. Nathan Corbitt
Campolo School for Social Change
990 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
ncorbitt@eastern.edu
215-769-3114
Contact Us
School for Social Change
Campolo College of Graduate and Professional Studies
Eastern University | Philadelphia
990 Spring Garden Street, Sixth Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19123
P: 215-769-3100
F: 215-769-6785
E: change@eastern.edu
AIM: studychange
