HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH ART

Human Rights Through Art, a course developed and taught by documentary filmmaker Alexis Neophytides and visual artist Jenny Salomon, introduces students to basic concepts of human rights and encourages them to explore these ideas through different artistic media. Students cultivate art and writing skills as forms of self-expression and as tools for change.  Students study the artwork of relevant writers, artists and filmmakers, not only as a means of inspiration, but also to gain an understanding of how artists use their creative voices to affect change in the world.

We currently teach Human Rights Through Art at TEAK Fellowship, a non-profit organization helping talented New York City students from low-income families gain admission to and succeed at top high schools and colleges. We also hope to adapt this course for other appropriate organizations which work to enhance the educational and life experiences of underserved young people.

We have collaborated with a number of artists and non-profit organizations in the development and execution of our curriculum including Ross Bleckner, Warren Lehrer, Charity:Water, Foundation for Tomorrow, DonorsChoose and Metropolis Ensemble. 

* artwork on this page by two former students, German Hernandez and Ya Sheng Lin