Critical Foundations
How can we connect classroom learning to our local communities?
Introduction
Institutions like universities, libraries, and museums, and those who work there, hold vast amounts of knowledge that add to and oftentimes delineate our understanding of the world. But expertise comes from individuals and communities outside these institutions, too. Exposure to the diverse and underrepresented perspectives that come from people’s lived experiences can humanize unfamiliar subjects and bring richness, nuance, and variety to the conversation.
When teaching about Asian and Asian diasporic art, it is important to bring local Asian and Asian American artists and community members into the classroom.
Video: Phantom Loss
Video Discussion
What do you think are the key messages of Oanh Vu’s performance, “Phantom Loss?” What about the performance makes you say so?
What commentary do you think Oanh Vu is making about cultural traditions, past and present? What do you think is the significance of the segment about not understanding the differences between Asian cultures?
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Remember that there is an incredible amount of diversity within the Asian/Asian American community. Refrain from using stereotypes and generalizations when working with Asian/Asian American artists and art. For example, don’t expect them to know about or teach about specific Asian history, art, or culture. Instead, allow the artists to discuss their own background, practice, and knowledge.
Connect with established, mid-career, and emerging artists Asian artists in your own city and invite them into your classroom or find ways to collaborate with them. Debunk the myth that art is a valuable object to be kept behind glass in a museum gallery.
- Connect with local arts organizations, crowdsource ideas and resources via social media, attend Asian/Asian American performances and events in order to network with this community, and/or use Google. Remember, it is a courtesy to provide a stipend for the artists’ time.
- Create (and update) an Asian/Asian American arts resource list for your classroom, colleagues, and school to use in the future including local community organizations and teaching artists.