Abstract
This research explores Black Mountain College (1933-1957), an experimental liberal arts educational community in North Carolina, which fostered an inclusive, self-governing environment amidst political, social, and artistic challenges. The college was unique in its commitment to democratic values, emphasizing student autonomy, community responsibility, and creative risk-taking. Students and faculty, including many European refugees, lived and worked together, cultivating both academic and manual labor skills, while challenging the racial segregation of the time by integrating ten years before Brown v. Board of Education. The paper argues that the principles of Black Mountain College—particularly its focus on community engagement, active citizenship, and intellectual freedom—offer valuable lessons for contemporary education. Considering rising political extremism, isolationism, and student disengagement, these practices remain crucial for fostering a more democratic, resilient society.
Presenters
Siu Challons-LiptonExecutive Director and Professor of Art History, Department of Art, Design and Music, Queens Univeristy of Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
BLACK MOUNTAIN COLLEGE, DEMOCRACY, CITIZENSHIP, COMMUNITY, EDUCATION, SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
