This session focuses on the role of the arts to disturb or disrupt the status quo, waking us up to what is wrong in the world and calling us to action to right the wrong. Transformative learning often occurs when our normal everyday way of viewing the world no longer makes sense and we are forced to reframe our assumptions and alter our worldview. Some art forms such as photojournalism, surrealistic painting, protest music, documentary film and art installation are intentionally provocative. They are designed shake us up and make us uncomfortable. These art forms can also be an entry point into having difficult or controversial conversations and exploring alternative realities. Art often creates an empathic response in the viewer or listener, also referred to as witness. The provocative arts often solicit an emotional reaction that cannot be ignored. This response can lead to individual transformation and can also be a motivating force to work for societal change.

Presenters: