2017 Making Global Connection

Vancouver Biennale’s BIG IDEAS Education invites cross-curricular project proposals that focus on the theme of global connections throughout the entire inquiry learning process. Successful submissions should articulate clear and significant common concerns, community challenges, social issues or aspirations that communities across the globe may share. The inquiry process will focus on a specific Biennale art installation(s) that inspires the BIG IDEAS project. Participants are encouraged to link with schools in other countries if possible. During a field trip (or BIG IDEAS Anywhere1 virtual tour) to the art installation(s) being studied participants are encouraged to explore specific aspects of the community around it and compare/contrast to another community(s) being studied in a different part of the world.

• École Bilingue: Balancing SymbolsThe students explored symbols in our society expressed through nature, sounds, and light.
• École Cedardale: Sharing the PlanetAn exploration of Canada’s diversity as represented through the arts.
• York House: Reimagining the Arbutus GreenwayStudents reimagine a sustainable design for the Arbutus Corridor.

2016 Art as a Catalyst for Learning

Vancouver Biennale’s BIG IDEAS Education invites cross-curricular project proposals that demonstrate how art is a catalyst for learning throughout the entire project-based learning process. Successful submissions should articulate clear and direct linkages to specific Biennale art installation(s) that inspire the BIG IDEAS project, guiding questions, inquiry challenges, and art-infused creations. Submissions should also consider exploring specific aspects of the community around the art installation(s) that are relevant to the project theme as part of the field trip.

• École Bilingue (Grade 7): Is Home away from Home?Students describe their home if the man made borders did not exist.
• Mitchell Elementary: Talking Poles – The Voices of our TotemsThe students began a past, present and future journey of exploration of their own stories.
• Woodward Elementary: Fostering Identity through the Power of Place, Emotions and RelationshipsThe school courtyard was used to facilitate student learning.

2015 Learning without Borders

Inspired by the 2014-2016 exhibition theme Open Borders / Crossroads Vancouver, teachers were invited to create projects that would aim to open up existing borders in the learning process or to open up borders in language, religion, ethnicity, nation, and Indigeneity. The project-based learning approach focus on the development of students’ communication and thinking skills, personal and social competencies. In 2015, 22 local professional artists have been placed in 68 classes across 7 school districts through the Vancouver Biennale BIG IDEAS artist collaborator grants.

• École Bilingue: Toi & Me = NousAn inquiry into how understanding loneliness can break down walls between us.
• École Cedardale Elementary: Full of BeansStudents inquire into the use of all the senses and the recognition of different perspectives.
• École Jules Quesnel: Diversity and Human InterconnectivityStudents explored diversity and how to build positive human connectivity.
• General Currie: Cultivating Identity Through the GardenExplore how cultures are influenced by the local environment & contact with other cultures.
• Mitchell Elementary: Air, Fire, Water, Earth – Teachings from the Medicine WheelAn exploration of the power of the Circle in First Nations tradition.
• Quilchena Elementary: Crossroads between environmental sustainability & human rightsExploring ways to effect changes for environmental sustainability.

2014 Cross-Curricular Challenge

Based on the 2014-2016 exhibition theme: Open Borders / Crossroads Vancouver, teachers were invited to either create their own project or bigger, collaborative cross-curricular projects with their colleagues. Projects cover a diverse range of topics including ecosystems, cultural diversity, science or emotional wellness with links to all curriculum areas. In 2014, 17 talented local interdisciplinary artists and 4 subject matter experts were placed in 51 classes across 7 school districts through the Vancouver Biennale BIG IDEAS artist collaborator grants. Three feature project videos were produced exploring the journey through the entire BIG IDEAS project-based learning process.

• École Cedardale K, Gr 1 and Gr 3A perennial garden project that fosters a sense of community pride, ownership and appreciation.
• King George SecondaryAn inquiry into water systems as the foundation of life and our connection to the natural world.
• Moody Middle Gr 6/7Students explore the power of art to foster awareness of social issues around the world.
• Walter Moberly Gr 4 #1Students reflect on personal identity by exploring how we change when we wear a mask.
• William Bridge Gr 7Students explore ways to use their creative voices to celebrate and respect diversity.

2012 Performance Series

The Vancouver Biennale took dance, music, drama and poetry to the streets to celebrate 2012 BC Arts and Culture and National Dance Week. An unprecedented lineup of 28 outdoor BIG IDEAS performances over eight consecutive days included 800 performers ranging from Grade 2 students to professionals.

• Queen Alexandra Gr 6Illuminate how past actions affect their present and future through dance.
• West Bay Gr 6Respond to the challenges we face in "Sharing the Planet" through poetry.

2010 King George School Great Race

• History of LossAssessing possession of nostalgic artifacts and how our lifestyle impacts the environment.
• JasperA cross-curricular challenge that incorporates art and mathematical calculation.
• MeetingStudents are encouraged to explore forms and structures of communication and learning.
• The StopBreaking the cycle of reaction and opening choices by taking time to stop.
• Wind WavesStudents are encouraged to explore the endless possibilities within their natural world.