Conference | PEACE Forward: Arts In Education + Partnerships = Possibility

Description

PEACE Forward: Arts In Education + Partnerships = Possibility 

2-Day Conference 

Monday, April 27th and Tuesday, April 28th 9:30 am- 4:30 pm: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts 

PEACE Forward is a two-day conference bringing together educators, artists, cultural partners, policymakers, and community leaders to explore how the arts fuel educational and social transformation. 

At a time when schools and communities are seeking stronger engagement, belonging, and future-ready learning, PEACE Forward convenes the people building impactful arts-in-education models now—connecting classroom practice with policy, partnership, and long-term sustainability. Grounded in the impact of PAC’s PEACE Project, the conference highlights partnerships that deepen student engagement, expand access t creative learning, and build lasting connections between schools and communities. Patchogue Arts Council’s (PAC) PEACE Project provides professional development for middle and hih school educators, teaching artists, and cultural partners across Long Island. 

Through PAC’s partnership with Eastern Suffolk BOCES Arts in Education, the program supports effective use of the arts in alignment with College, Career, and Civic Readiness (CCCR) and Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CR-S) practices, while advancing more diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environments. 

This year’s conference features a keynote address by internationally acclaimed artist Edel Rodríguez, whose powerful visual work explores migration, identity, and social justice and has shaped global conversations across art, media, and public life. His keynote will invite attendees to reflect on the role of creative expression in education and contemporary society. 

Day One: Practice focuses on classroom implementation and successful collaborations between schools and cultural organizations. A special lunch program will feature a student film showcase presenting short documentaries created through PEACE Project partnerships, including Out of the Darkness (Hampton Bays High School), Kinetic Canvas (Islip High School), What Is Home? (Center Moriches High School), and Storytelling Through Film (Brentwood High School), along with Stand Tall, a student documentary produced through Eastern Suffolk BOCES and inspired by a PEACE Project partnership. ‍

DayTwo: Policy connects classroom success to broader systems, examining funding, advocacy, and long-term sustainability. Sessions will bring together policymakers, funders, cultural leaders, and educators to explore how arts partnerships contribute to economic vitality, community resilience, and equitable access to education.Across both days, participants will engage with regional and national leaders, discover innovative models, and join a groing movement committed to making the arts essential to education and community life. 

Across both days, participants will engage with regional and national leaders, discover innovative models, and join a groing movement committed to making the arts essential to education and community life. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations seeking to support arts-in-education leadership, professional learning, and student success across Long Island. 

The conference is open to educators, artists, parents, students, nonprofit leaders, and members of the public interested in the future of arts and education. Full schedule will be announced soon. 

Schoarships available, please email Beth Giaucmmo INFO@PATCHOGUEARTS.ORG 

This conference will take place at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts located at 71 East Main Street, Patchogue. ‍