THE JOURNEY PROGRAM
Journey is a multi-cultural arts-in-education program developed by the Huntington Arts Council in partnership with school districts. The goal of Journey is to foster the appreciation of cultural diversity through the arts. Art emerges from a cultural context, shaped by traditions, beliefs, and ideologies. The exploration of a culture's art will lead to a better understanding of its people.
The Huntington Arts Council established the Journey Program two decades ago as a means of integrating cultural arts into the school curriculum. What began as a modest arts-in-education project has since grown to include seven school districts in and around the Township of Huntington. The program serves upwards of 40,000 children from grades K-12.
Participating districts of the 2009-2010 school year are:
Commack UFSD, Harborfields CSD, Huntington UFSD,
Northport/East Northport UFSD,
Plainview/Old Bethpage CSD, and
South Huntington UFSD
Journey's ongoing success is based on three components:
- Cultural Arts Workshops for Teachers - Our annual series facilitates the introduction of cultures into the classroom. These workshops provide professional development and/or in-service credit in accordance with the rules of each partner district.
- Artist Visits - As part of the Journey Program, we coordinate cultural arts workshops, performances and residencies in conjunction with the participating school districts.
- Discovery Chests - These dynamic teaching aids are available to teachers in participating districts to borrow for at no cost to them. Students experience hands-on learning with cultural artifacts and traditional objects. Each portable chest contains 30 or more pieces including audio-visual materials, books, a catalogue and a teacher's handbook. Currently offering Africa, Ancient Egypt, China, India, Latin America and Native America.
