KUTZTOWN, PA — The 85th Annual Art Education Conference at Kutztown University, held on November 22, 2024, gathered artists, educators, and activists to examine the role of art in addressing social issues. The event’s theme, “Social Change at the Intersections of Art/Education,” encouraged attendees to explore how art can promote equity, accountability, and meaningful dialogue.
The conference welcomed prominent keynote speakers, including former professor and artist Rhonda Wall, filmmaker and activist Shuja Moore, and Kutztown alumna Nile Livingston. Each brought unique perspectives on the intersection of art and social justice.
Livingston’s keynote highlighted her path as a fourth-generation Philadelphian artist committed to using creativity as a means for connection and advocacy. Influenced early by her grandfather, an architect dedicated to community empowerment, Livingston spoke about how her family fostered her appreciation for design, resilience, and social change. “Art has always been a bridge,” Livingston said. “It connects us across time, space, and experience, allowing us to bring our truths to light and imagine a more just world.”
Livingston also shared the story of founding her graphic design and branding agency, Creative Repute. The agency grew from her work as a solo artist into a team of over 20 specialists, focusing on projects that reflect social justice and equality. From murals to branding and marketing, Creative Repute’s work aims to use design as a tool for storytelling and advocacy. “The work we do isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating something meaningful that endures,” she said.
Interactive workshops added depth to the event. Liz Hamilton Quay’s session, “Layering Meaning: Gelli Plate Printing,” used imagery to convey complex themes, while CJ Matz’s “Wreck & Rebuild” explored resilience through creative deconstruction. Dr. Amy Pfeiler-Wunder introduced “Book Arts as Social Action!” to demonstrate how handmade books can advocate for change, and Michael L. Miller’s collaborative art workshop inspired community-building through co-creation.
The success of the conference underscored the collaboration between art and education in driving social transformation. Through its keynote speakers and workshops, it provided a platform for exploring how creativity can challenge systemic inequities and promote lasting change.
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