The world has endured a collective traumatic experience throughout the past eighteen months. As arts and learning practitioners, we regularly see the impact that the arts have in students and participants’ lives. As we eagerly, yet tentatively, look towards pandemic recovery, we recognize the vital role that the arts must play in the health and wellbeing of Canada’s citizens, communities and society as a whole. We have also learned a great deal about the importance of technology and the intrinsic value it has to facilitate connectivity and broaden the range of arts and learning opportunities available to the public.
We welcome you to take part in Creative Convergence, the biennial conference presented by the Canadian Network for Arts & Learning taking place virtually on October 28 & 29, 2021. Join delegates from across Canada and around the world who are committed to arts and culture, education, recreation, health, therapy, medicine, humanities, social justice and community. Take part in a creative exchange featuring an overarching theme of “recovery” and including streams of health & wellbeing, and community connectivity.
The conference will feature thought-provoking speakers, rousing performances, panel discussions, real-life testimonials from artists and educators, parallel and poster presentations, regional break-out discussion groups, networking sessions and much more.
Themes:
The Conference will explore the following themes:
- The impact of the pandemic on arts and learning practice and programs – in schools, in communities, in professional arts organizations, in other sectors committed to and delivering arts and learning experiences.
- The opportunities, challenges and possible pitfalls for arts and learning in a digital age and what we’ve learned throughout the social distancing measures.
- The opportunities through which arts and learning can contribute to post-pandemic health and wellbeing – of individuals, communities and society.
- The strategies that can be employed to ensure the survival of artistic learning in all contexts and sectors.
Introducing our first Keynote Speaker!
We are delighted to feature the host of the thought-provoking CBC Radio show White Coat, Black Art, Dr. Brian Goldman as our keynote speaker on Thursday. Dr. Goldman is a leading voice for reform of the healthcare system. He believes we should listen to patients and change medical culture to improve the quality of care. He is the author of The Power of Kindness: Why Empathy is Essential in Everyday Life. In researching this book, he undertook a personal odyssey to understand more about empathy and how it is vital to our physical and mental health. Join us to hear Dr. Goldman's thoughts on how the arts can affect health and wellbeing.