ArtLink

Our unique connection program where the exchange of art and virtual engagement is the springboard to cultural discovery and understanding

About the Program

About the Program

ArtLink, part of the Global Voices Initiative, is Creative Connections’ award- winning international exchange program for 3rd-12th graders.

Partnering students engage in a series of activities (over 6-8 class periods) that deepen their understanding of one another and the cultures they are part of.

Students in ArtLink engage in a collaborative storytelling experience that includes:

  • Conceiving and creating artwork that conveys the stories they want to tell, ones that most often spring from their own experiences, culture, and values
  • Exchanging their pieces with a partner class in another country on our dedicated interactive online site
  • Examining and enjoying the art of their partners, gaining new perspectives into both their own and their partner’s cultures
  • Sharing insights with one another virtually through asynchronous posting or via one or more fully facilitated Interactive Video Conferences (IVCs)
    • See IVC options on the application

ArtLink teachers are fully supported through the exchange process and beyond. See the full list of resources we provide here.

ArtLink has a number of transformative outcomes.

ArtLink Options

ArtLink Options

ArtLink Basic ArtLink w/ Virtual Exchange ArtLink Expanded ArtLink RainForest w/ Virtual Exchange
Core Activity
Art exchange
Art exchange
Art exchange
Art exchange
Communication
Asynchronous
1 interactive video conference
2 interactive video conferences
2 interactive video conferences
Workshops
--
--
Artifact workshop
Intro workshop
Cycles Available
Both cycles available
Both cycles available
Both cycles available
Cycle 2 only

Program Timeline

Program Timeline

Teachers have the option to apply for ArtLink in two cycles: September – December (Cycle 1) or January – June (Cycle 2). Programs include partner engagement through one, or two live video conferences, or asynchronous posting.

Applications are accepted all year.

Feature partner classes in specific countries or regions including: Guatemala, Israel, Taiwan, Cyprus, England, Estonia, The Gambia, India, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Turkey & Ukraine.

Want more info about our programs?

Ready to apply?

ArtLink in Action

ArtLink in Action

Similar to the traditional ArtLink program, RainForest ArtLink connects classrooms worldwide through exchanging art.

U.S. classrooms are specifically paired with similar classes in the heart of the Guatemalan, Costa Rican or Brazilian rainforests.

RainForest ArtLink

Similar to the traditional ArtLink program, RainForest ArtLink connects classrooms worldwide through exchanging art.

U.S. classrooms are specifically paired with similar classes in the heart of the Guatemalan, Costa Rican or Brazilian rainforests.

About the Program

RainForest ArtLink is designed for 3rd-12th graders. Its student-based learning model reinforces classroom instruction in social studies, Spanish language, science and the arts. Students build bridges with their peers, which promotes global competency and greater cultural understanding. Program curricula is delivered through lesson plans (in English and Spanish)  provided to participating classrooms.

Students in the program will:

  • Be introspective about the environment and cultural inter-dependency of complex ecosystems
  • Discover the power of art to convey ideas
  • Attain a new perspective into their own culture
  • Expand awareness, understanding and appreciation of the lives of their peers living in another country
  • Understand concepts such as “sustainability” from their interaction with primary source materials and real peers who live in the rainforest

The RainForest ArtLink program runs in the spring. Applications are accepted in the fall.

Case Studies

U.S. - Guatemala in 2015

Timeline

Program runs in the spring

September-December: Applications accepted
January: Program launch and introductory workshop
March: Submit art work (second Friday of the month)
April: Processing the Art (at Creative Connections)
May: Receive partners’ art 
May-June: Live videoconference with partner class
December: Fall/Winter International Children’s Art Exhibit (live and online)

Ready to Apply?

Application forms available in English, Spanish and Japanese.

For Teachers

Our ArtLink programs not only connect students, but also teachers! Check out opportunities for teachers and educators to connect.

Creative Connections provides partner teachers with:

  • Teacher to Teacher -a one-on-one virtual introduction of partner teachers 
  • An energized and motivated international partner art class
  • ArtLink lesson plans 
  • A thoughtful set of art produced for your class by your overseas partner
  • Fully facilitated video conferences by CC staff
  • Office staff, always available for advice & support 
  • Translation services when needed
  • Annual International Art Portfolio featuring art from current partner countries
  • Certificates for all participating classes and for students whose artwork was selected for exhibit
  • EducatorsConnect – networking and professional development opportunities
For Teachers

Our ArtLink programs not only connect students, but also teachers! Check out opportunities for teachers and educators to connect.

Creative Connections provides partner teachers with:

  • Teacher to Teacher -a one-on-one virtual introduction of partner teachers 
  • An energized and motivated international partner art class
  • ArtLink lesson plans 
  • A thoughtful set of art produced for your class by your overseas partner
  • Fully facilitated video conferences by CC staff
  • Office staff, always available for advice & support 
  • Translation services when needed
  • Annual International Art Portfolio featuring art from current partner countries
  • Certificates for all participating classes and for students whose artwork was selected for exhibit
  • EducatorsConnect – networking and professional development opportunities

EducatorsConnect

EducatorsConnect

EducatorsConnect is a forum for our ArtLink teachers worldwide to meet and share their ideas and experiences over Zoom calls.

To date, the CC team has facilitated virtual conversations on topics such as the Covid-19 pandemic, its impact on our teacher’s communities and schools, what it means to teach global citizenship and social justice, to name a few.

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