Earlier this month, the 2025-2026 cohort of Art21 Educators kicked off with a Summer Institute. Educators hailing from Arkansas, California, Florida, Iowa, Maine, and more areas across the country traveled to New York City.

A hallmark of Art21 Educators is learning from peers, who have experience using contemporary art and Art21 resources in their classrooms. During the week, Art21 Educators alumni presented on topics ranging from responding to government mandates, accessibility needs of students, and managing instructional time.

The theme of navigating the unknown surfaced again and again. While the unknown has its challenges and can feel intimidating, these educators exemplified how it can be approached with confidence by sharing resources and expertise.

In addition to educator presentations, artists Shaun Leonardo and Ilana Harris-Babou gave presentations. Leonardo gave a lively talk involving movement exercises and introspective questioning. Harris-Babou provided behind-the-scenes insight into her sources of inspiration, collaboration with her mother, teaching experience, and current works in process.

Another highlight was an after-hours tour of Jack Whitten: The Messenger at MoMA. If you haven’t yet, I highly encourage you to see the show before it closes in August. Seeing Whitten’s work across decades was powerful.

After the Summer Institute, new educators meet virtually with their mentors throughout the school year. I cannot wait to hear about their classroom applications and how their students respond to watching contemporary artists through Art21 films.

I know it’s going to be a productive, art-filled year!

Emma Nordin
Director of Education
July 24, 2025