At Whitby School, our commitment to holistic education means bringing the real world directly into the classroom. The presence of a working professional Artist-in-Residence (AIR) is an essential, transformative pillar that directly aligns with our mission to inspire a passion for learning and empower principled global citizens.
Real-World Relevance and Diverse Exposure
The AIR program transforms art from a static subject into a living, active discipline, turning the entire school into an evolving studio. Students witness the entire creative endeavor firsthand—seeing a professional artist master materials and solve complex problems. Our residency focuses strongly on experiential practices such as large-scale mural painting and ceramic sculpture (clay). Exposure to these different working artists is crucial as it shows students that art is not limited to traditional canvases but is a dynamic, expansive field. This naturally fosters the Open-Minded IB attribute.
Deepening Critical Thinking and Life Skills
Collaboration with an AIR stimulates the critical skills necessary for the 21st century. Through open-ended projects, students are encouraged to analyze and interpret artwork, developing the essential Inquirer and Thinker attributes. The residency is a safe space for growth, where seeing an artist embrace failure encourages students to be Risk-Takers and builds resilience. Furthermore, the creative process builds crucial Communication Skills, providing a powerful outlet for expression beyond words.
Celebrating Achievement
After internalizing the artist’s lessons, students create original piece(s) that become celebrated features of the Whitby campus, turning hallways into vibrant, rotating galleries. Notably, the two prominent murals on our campus were a direct result of our previous muralist AIR program. This prominent public display is important as it validates each student's effort and unique voice, while ensuring that peers, parents, and the community witness the tangible, direct impact of the AIR program.
Inspiring a Global Perspective
The impact of the Artist-in-Residence extends beyond the studio by enriching the entire community. The AIR shares their professional experiences and diverse worldview, inviting our students to stretch their thinking and imagine perspectives different from their own. This actively fulfills our mission to empower students as principled citizens in a global community.
The Artist-in-Residence program is not just an activity; it is a fundamental investment in creativity, critical thinking, and the development of the open-minded, knowledgeable, and caring global citizens we strive to graduate at Whitby.
