Anusha Venkataraman has written a thoughtful and enlightening review of Beverly Naidus’s new book Arts for Change. From the apt overview—

“Part memoir, part historical narrative, part resource guide, Naidus’ book summons in an accessible and easy-to-read format her experiences, challenges and advice from years of working in the field.”

to insight about how 20th century social movements influenced teaching—

“. . . the social movements of the 1960s and 70s brought forward the re-emergence of the artist as social agent. It was during this time that Naidus shaped her creative practice in relation to feminism, the antiwar movement, environmentalism and, eventually, progressive education theories. What all of these movements — and Naidus’ involvement in them — have in common is that they advocate, implicitly or explicitly, a politics of pedagogy that fundamentally shifts the power dynamics between student and teacher, haves and have-nots, oppressor and oppressed.”

it’s the kind of meaty, reflective review that sets one to wondering years later if we have, in fact, read the book or just a great write-up of it. To increase the effect, CAN also offers a tasty pdf excerpt of Chapter 4, “Facilitating an Interdisciplinary Arts Curriculum.”  Nonetheless, dear friends, please note that however useful Venkataraman’s commentary in CAN’s Reading Room, I am not suggesting you skip a full and rewarding reading of Arts for Change!