Morag J. Bradford and Marnee Keith

Exploring cultures and teaching tolerance is at the heart of Bradford and Keith's visual arts program, "Worldview". In this cross-curricular program, students learn about global societies with particular attention paid to the visual and performing arts, including the legacies of famous individuals and governing principles. Following last year's pilot program, "Worldview: France," kindergarten through eighth-grade students at Harlem Park Elementary and Middle Schools will focus on India for the 2008-2009 school year. "Worldview: India" will consider the country's visual and performing arts, the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and the principles of non-violence, with connections made to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students will participate in a letter exchange program, study dance and music, practice yoga to enhance self-awareness and focus, fundraise for selected charities and host a cultural fair in the community. Worldview's comprehensive program will establish the concept that art and culture are integral aspects of politics, history and character development. The resulting change in students' world views will enhance their abilities to see similarities in certain circumstances facing people around the world, encourage empathy for different people and increase understanding of beliefs that may not be their own.