Social Justice Thru the Arts

The Project

SOCIAL JUSTICE THRU THE ARTS (SJTA) teaches basic social justice concepts and advocacy through integrated work and exploration in the arts. Participants engage in hands-on learning in storytelling, movement and dance, image theatre, designing and painting, creative writing, social and digital media, and film/video.

We use the arts to emphasize concepts learned in dialogue and reflection that culminate in a group art project. Our social justice framework uses power, privilege, and difference to engage participants about their identities, histories, and communities. We emphasize collaborative learning among community educators, students, and faculty through team building, intercultural dialogue, nurturing individual and collective voice, and fostering communication across differences.

SJTA is part of the summer institutes hosted by the CSU Alliance Partnership. Funding is provided by the CSU College of Liberal Arts and the CSU Alliance Partnership. Additional support and space use is provided by CSU Women’s Studies and Gender Research, the University Center for the Arts, the School of Music Theatre and Dance, and the Department of Art and Art History.

CSU Alliance Partnership and Social Justice Thru the Arts work with ten Colorado high schools promoting a college-going culture. These schools are the least resourced high schools in Colorado composed of First Generation, racially and ethnically diverse students, and high numbers of students who are on free and reduced lunch.

SJTA 2022

Feature Artist Louise Cutler - Amending, A-mending History

SJTA 2019

Feature Artist Silvia Minguzzi - Lest we Forget
Embracing your identity through the study of selfies

SJTA 2018

Feature Artist Rose Jaffe - Holding Space
Community Mural

SJTA Facilitators

Dr. Caridad Souza, Director of Women’s Studies and Gender Research;
Lisa Morgan, CSU Dance Faculty, School of Music, Theatre & Dance;
Silvia Minguzzi, Director of Hatton Gallery & Digital Performing Space, Department of Art and Art History;
Dr. Patricia Vigil, Director of University Partnerships and Student Success & Director of the Alliance and University Partnership Relations.

Contact Coordinators

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Dr. Caridad Souza
Associate Professor of Women's and Ethnic Studies
caridad.souza@colostate.edu

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Dr. Patricia Vigil
Director of University Partnership and student success
Patricia.Vigil@colostate.edu

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Silvia Minguzzi
Director of the Hatton Gallery&Digital Performing Space
Department of Art and Art History
silvia.minguzzi@colostate.edu

We Will Explore Together

  • How to advocate for social justice in our communities
  • Issues of gender equity, belonging, access, and justice
  • Where to fit in on a college campus
  • What a career in the arts looks like that focuses on social justice advocacy through a gender studies lens
  • How the creative process is a part of your story

SJTA Applications

The deadline to apply has passed

Become a Mentor

The deadline to apply has passed

Deadlines and News

SJTA 2023: Starts on July 16. Final presentation and performance on Saturday, July 22, 1 p.m. at Richardson Design Center, CSU. Reception to follow.

2023: SOCIAL JUSTICE thru the ARTS dates announced
July 17 - 22

2023: SOCIAL JUSTICE thru the ARTS featured artist announced
Kris Barz Mendonça

2022: SOCIAL JUSTICE thru THE ARTS is Awarded by the College of Liberal Arts for Celebrate CLA!

2021: SOCIAL JUSTICE Thru THE ARTS CELEBRATION
Holding Space,
2018 mural unveiling, and virtual artist talk by Rose Jaffe
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Visual Arts Building

2020: 41ST ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (PDI)
The Future of Student Empowerment and Equity: Learning About Self, Community, and Social Change
Monday, January 13, 2020 | 1:00 p.m.
LSC 376-78

2019: CSU Diversity Symposium
Learning About Self, Community, and Social Change: Social Justice Thru the Arts 2019
Thursday, October 17, 2019 | 12:00 p.m.
LSC

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