Redefining Arts

The purpose of this conference is to provide a 24/7 international platform through which to talk about advancements in arts education and how we can collectively support this part of our communities more holistically. This can include methods of decolonization, post-covid public school arts inclusion, or lobbying, as ideas.

This conference is open to all Clubhouse members for free and is a non-funded event organised for the promotion of performances and discussions related to the arts and education. We recognize and appreciate that the term “arts” can mean many things, and we encourage people to submit proposals which push boundaries and support transformative dialogue around the arts. What is it that you know which you think should be more well known? Is there a history that needs to be rewritten? Would you like to share a cultural tradition with others? Or is there a hot topic that needs more unfolding? Please think about what insight and experience you can contribute as a presenter and facilitator in this conference.

Event Organisation Team

The people that made all this possible


DEBORAH CHI

Deborah Chi is an educator with 15+ years of teaching in classrooms, museums, community centers, and one-on-one instruction. She has also worked in the non-profit sector in various capacities. She received a Bachelor of Fine Art in Drawing & Painting, two consecutive Masters in Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics along with a Masters in Public Administration, two of her primary research focuses include the intersection between aesthetics & ethics and equitable education policymaking. Deborah is passionate about arts education advocacy, equity, and access for underserved communities.


GIULIANA CONTI

Giuliana Conti is a PhD candidate studying the intersections of music education, ethnomusicology, and social justice. She graduated from UC Berkeley with her BA in music and then taught world music education at the elementary level for five years before returning to university to pursue her MA and now PhD. She has taught in over five countries and believes it is important for all education professionals to consider music as a core subject and incorporate it into daily education with cultural diversity and critical race theory at the core of instruction. She researches intercultural competence development through exposure to diverse musical experiences, and is currently wrapping up her dissertation on the knowledge, development, and programming choices of freeform Radio DJs. She has additional experience in lobbying, student leadership, and higher education which she uses to advocate for student agency and well-being at all educational levels. She is a lucky cat mom and daughter of two amazing parents.


COURTNEY SAVOY HARPER M.Ed

born in Washington, DC and raised in Columbia, MD, and currently lives in Takoma DC with her husband and son. She went to Hampton University to follow her love of the arts and continued her education at George Washington University mastering art education. Education is Courtney’s lifelong passion and is currently preparing for year 15 as an art teacher at Coolidge high school in D.C. Public Schools.

Ms. Savoy Harper is a practicing art professional in D.C., Maryland, Virginia that specializes in mural illustrations and company branding. Her work is also on 85 feet school walls and the embassy’s in our nation’s capital. Community is important to Ms. Savoy Harper. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; the funder and founder of the annual Savoy Legacy Scholarship; the sponsor of many art initiatives like design district and art club for students to develop the love of community service and giving back.


PROF. SHELLEY DAI

Deborah Chi is an educator with 15+ years of teaching in classrooms, museums, community centers, and one-on-one instruction. She has also worked in the non-profit sector in various capacities. She received a Bachelor of Fine Art in Drawing & Painting, two consecutive Masters in Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics along with a Masters in Public Administration, two of her primary research focuses include the intersection between aesthetics & ethics and equitable education policymaking. Deborah is passionate about arts education advocacy, equity, and access for underserved communities.