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.