Let's Talk About Civics & The Arts

Regardless of where you live in the world, we are surrounded by art. When students study civics through the arts, they explore complex ideas and events through the lens of time and the artist's vision. For example, SFMOMA's 2024 exhibition "From the Court to the Canvas: Get in the Game at SFMOMA" spotlighted the influence of sports on contemporary culture. Athletic competition inspired artists to create works responding to a game's emotional drama, fans' enthusiasm, the athletes' discipline, and the implicit and explicit codes determining who gets to play.

Historically, works such as Picasso's Guernica offer a visceral entry point into discussing civilian casualties during wartime and the Spanish Civil War, while Diego Rivera's murals depict labor struggles and indigenous history, prompting conversations about workers' rights and cultural identity. Jacob Lawrence's Migration Series provides a powerful visual narrative of the Great Migration, opening discussions about segregation and economic opportunity. Students examining Dorothea Lange's Depression-era photographs might research New Deal policies, while those analyzing Ai Weiwei's contemporary installations could investigate freedom of expression and social media's role in modern activism.

Through arts-based civics education, students naturally develop essential skills. They strengthen research and writing abilities by investigating historical events, analyzing political systems, and exploring social movements. Communication skills flourish through persuasive speeches, digital storytelling, and podcast creation, while collaboration and project management develop through community projects and artistic interpretations. This integrated approach cultivates creative problem-solving, effective communication, and a collaborative spirit—all necessary for active participation in a democratic society.

VOYAGER designs blended curricula that integrate writing, civics, the arts, and technology. Whether you're looking to implement prepared curriculum units or develop customized interdisciplinary programs, VOYAGER offers both ready-to-use resources and tailored design services. We partner with educators to create project-based learning experiences that transform how students connect with civic content, meeting your specific classroom needs and goals.