Theme
The Pythagorean-Platonic view of harmony refers to the integration of the many into the one; that is, harmonization is the process of bringing different elements together into a well-fitting whole. The theme of this year's conference revolves around the interconnectedness of arts, nature, technology, and education and how they can work together in unison to create a transformative learning environment. We seek to discuss and celebrate the power of the arts in shaping educational practices, promoting sustainability, embracing technological advancements, and enhancing the overall human experience.
In an era where our world is rapidly evolving, we find ourselves navigating through an ever-changing landscape, seeking harmony between progress and preservation. The theme of this conference encapsulates the essence of this delicate equilibrium, as we delve into the dynamic relationship between arts, nature, technology, and education. These interconnected facets not only shape our understanding of the world but also define our collective identity and the legacy we leave behind.
The ultimate goal is to find harmony in unity, bridging the gaps between arts, nature, technology, and education. We seek to explore how these seemingly disparate elements can work in tandem to create a more sustainable and equitable society, where creativity flourishes, and cultural diversity is cherished.
The world is in constant flux, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Artistic innovations and creative approaches have the power to drive positive transformation, whether it be in education, technology, or nature conservation. Through this conference, we will discuss how the arts can be a catalyst for positive change and inspire solutions to global challenges.
Indicative strands of the 2024 WAAE SUMMIT:
- Theatre, Music, Dance and Visual Arts, in all their diverse forms, allow us to express the depths of human emotions, thoughts, and experiences. They have the capacity to transcend boundaries and bridge gaps, fostering a shared understanding that unites cultures, generations, and communities.
- Nature, with its awe-inspiring beauty and intricate ecosystems, has long served as a source of inspiration for artists and a sanctuary for introspection and reflection. It reminds us of our interconnectedness with the natural world, urging us to be responsible custodians of the environment.
- The rapid advancement of Technology has revolutionized the way we perceive and interact with the world. It has opened new realms of artistic expression, enabled innovative conservation strategies, and transformed the way we learn and educate. As Technology continues to shape our society, it is vital that we explore its potential to preserve and promote our cultural heritage, ensuring that our past is not forgotten but celebrated as a source of knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration.
- Arts Education empowers individuals to reach their full potential and equips them with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex world. It is through Arts Education that we cultivate an appreciation for inner self, a reverence for nature, and an understanding of the transformative power of Technology. We nurture the connection between the past and the future, fostering a culture that respects and learns from its heritage while embracing the promise of innovation.
- Fostering Artistic Innovation and Cultural Preservation. Unleashing the transformative power of the arts in enhancing cultural heritage; revitalizing traditional art forms through education, technology and nature-inspired creativity.
Together, we will examine how these elements intersect and influence one another, seeking to create a harmonious balance that enriches our lives and propels us toward a sustainable and culturally vibrant future.
Indicative sub-themes of the 2024 WAAE SUMMIT:
- Policy in the Arts / Arts Education
- Philosophy of Arts Education / Aesthetics
- Arts and Society / Individuals / Communities
- Pedagogy and didactics of Arts Education
- Sustainability and Arts Education
- Eco-Arts Education
- Nature as Muse for Arts Education
- Promoting environmental consciousness through education and artistic endeavours
- Cultural heritage and contemporary aspirations
- Resilience through the Arts
- Well-being, arts and health
- Technology and Arts Education (innovative ways of teaching)
- Arts and digital technologies (hybrid forms of artistic expression)
- Artificial Intelligence and Αrts education
- Technology and heritage
- Cultural heritage and the Arts (intangible, digital and other forms)
- Interdisciplinary perspectives and research across the Arts
- Radical methodologies in the Arts / Performing research and innovative research tools / Arts-based methodologies
** The official language of the WAAE Summit is English.
- Proposal submissions in Greek will be accepted in exceptional cases.
Note: there will be no translation during the Summit.
HOST INSTITUTION
CO ORGANISERS
Department of Music Studies
Department of Theatre Studies
COLABORATORS
School of Physical Education and Sport Science
Department of Primary Education
Department of Education Studies
Connecting
Leaders
A significant factor in this event’s tremendous success is its appeal to leaders from so many different disciplines.
The conference will draw a national audience of local elected officials and city and county staff; state and federal agency leaders; professionals in planning, transportation, public health, landscape architecture, architecture, public works, parks and recreation, and crime prevention and the arts; realtors, developers, builders and bankers; advocates for equity and environmental justice, youth, older adults, and walking and biking; labor representatives; school leaders and staff; environmentalists; and all others committed to building safer, healthier and more livable communities everywhere.
The 2019
Conference
The nation’s largest smart growth and sustainability event places a strong emphasis on implementation tools, innovative strategies and new technologies that will help communities NOW!
The program will span three days with pre- and post-conference mobile workshops. The main program will kick off on Thursday afternoon, February 1, with a plenary starting at 1:30 PM, and continue through Saturday morning, February 3, closing at approximately 12:30 PM.
The 2018 conference program will feature eight focused thematic tracks that will provide participants an opportunity for a more dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Each track will be designed to create a peer cohort of practitioners that leave with a new tools, strategies, models and templates to integrate into their work.
Participants, as always, will be able to attend sessions across tracks. Additionally, coordinated keynotes and networking activities will be included throughout the program to ensure that participants are learning and networking with a broad, multi-disciplinary national audience.
The 2018 program will also include NEW, dynamic interactive session formats to maximize participant engagement because we recognize that our participants have experiences, observations, successes and challenges to contribute to the dialogue around smart growth implementation.
Conference
History
By bringing together so many different thinkers, practitioners, activists, community leaders and policymakers from an ever-evolving spectrum of disciplines, New Partners has guided a strong and diverse movement grounded in the values of sustainable communities for over a decade.
The origins of this conference can be traced to late 1995 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency first launched its Smart Growth Program. As part of this effort, the EPA sought to organize a national conference that would focus on environmentally sensitive growth and development.
In 2001, the LGC partnered with the Centers for Disease Control, the California Department of Transportation and Penn State University to produce a “first of its kind” national, multidisciplinary event titled “Redesigning Community: A Smart Growth Approach to Street and Neighborhood Design, Crime Prevention, and Public Health and Safety” in San Diego.
Over the past decade, the basic principles of smart growth have not changed, but the realization of their importance continues to grow as more civic leaders, professionals, and interest groups recognize smart growth as a solution to the challenges in their communities. Thanks to a trail blazed by determined and visionary pioneers, smart growth is now widely and rightfully understood as a necessary, if not sufficient, way of addressing many of the most difficult economic, environmental, and social challenges we face today in communities across the country.