Seeing Sound: Voicing Resistance
My Service Learning LENS courses have always addressed the role of the artists as global citizens. Assignments have included investigations of social, political, and public art. Students have written proposals for nonprofits that use art to serve others. In addition, my classes have served local communities like the Fenway and Jamaica Plain as well as global communities in Haiti and South Africa. Recently, in the Fall of 2020, the college introduced anti-racism initiatives. Since then, my LENS classes have been devoted to this work by addressing how to serve while focusing on responsible representation in the arts. Initially we worked with Lyrics for Change, and are currently working with Represent Justice.
In my LENS course we examine the history of the harmful stereotypes of Black Americans up through the present and its relationship with the arts. We learn vocabulary that helps us understand the artists' process and purpose. Each piece must have intentionality in reference to representation. Through music we collaboratively create a sonic conversation with works by formally incarcerated visual artists.
Founded by
Ellen Francese
Is an Educator based in Boston, MA
ELLEN FRANCESE is an artist and activist who teaches literature and serving learning courses at Berklee College of Music. She has dedicated her teaching career to developing global citizenship and has received grants and fellowships to address the role of artists as socially responsible. When she is not teaching, she writes poetry and prose. Her daily walks and yoga remind her of the importance of gratitude.
