What happens at the intersection of art and history? Promised Land: an Adirondack Folk Opera relates the story of the 1840’s Adirondack settlement, named Timbuctoo, to topics that remain poignant in modern times: civil rights, voters’ rights, and racial issues in America. Learn more about the opera and how artistic storytelling has the potential to educate diverse audiences, address social issues within rural communities, foster inclusivity, and promote social change.
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The Arts in Rural Communities | Promised Land
Grades 6-12
Discover the vital role of the arts in nurturing culture and education within rural communities through excerpts from Promised Land: An Adirondack Folk Opera. Students will explore how the arts can bring about transformative social change and address social issues specific to rural areas through investigation into the historical significance of Timbuctoo, a collection of African American settlements in New York’s Adirondack region during the mid-19th century. By studying Timbuctoo and the Promised Land opera, they will understand the arts’ role in preserving and sharing the stories of marginalized communities. They will explore how the arts can empower, express culture, and provide social commentary.
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