We've compiled some useful resources to help educators and learners of all ages make the most of our fall programs!
There’s a long history of people using images to confront policymakers and impact movements for social justice. In journalism, for example, visual media sometimes supersedes traditional forms of telling news stories. Some of our upcoming festival programs will explore how the power of visuals and graphics have propelled cultural or political change in the past and present.
Discussion Prompts
- How have visuals impacted the way we understand historical events?
- Who should have the power to represent history in visual forms, like art, films, or graphic novels?
- How has the image of Al Capone and the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre lived on?
- What are current images of women that younger generations have reappropriated? What images of women do you connect with most and why?
- When thinking about policies around the border, immigration, and social justice, what role have images played?
Suggested Activity
One interesting intersection of digital culture and social justice is how the rise of memes online has influenced political signs and poster art. Make a rally sign for your favorite social cause using some of your favorite memes. Which memes would you use and why? Do you think humor has a role in rally signs? How does the meme add to the message? Does using it take anything away from the main message?
Further Reading
The Chicago 00 Project - Creating New Media Experiences of Chicago History
A brief history of the Salem Witch Trials
Female Rising: How visual representations of women are evolving
A janitor preserves the seized belongings of immigrants
On the border with photographer John Moore
The best book on immigration comes from a former border patrol agent
We value educators and youth and want to support lifelong learning! Teachers can purchase tickets to any event at a discounted price. And this season, youth can attend select programs for just $5 using the Teen Arts Pass. For more information about tickets please call the box office at (312) 605-8444.
PS – We’d love to hear from you! Please share with us your thoughts about these resources and your experiences using them!
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