About Us

The GLOBAL EDUCATION CENTER is a nonprofit arts education center for students, teachers and the community in the area of multicultural, anti-bias education. Using the arts as a pathway to understanding the various cultural, ethnic and religious groups residing in our community, the Center's staff and teaching and performing artists present ongoing classes, workshops, lecture-demonstrations and performances to promote cross-cultural understanding and respect. The overall goal is to highlight the commonalties of all people while creating experiences in the arts that aid in dispelling myths, dismantling stereotypes and unlearning biases.

OUR PURPOSE

To embrace the oneness of all people through multicultural arts programming that aids in dispelling myths, dismantling stereotypes, unlearning biases and alleviating fears
To educate and train children, families, artists, teachers, administrators and community personnel in anti-bias/multicultural education
To disseminate information, stimulate dialogue and provide a safe haven for cultural exploration
To advocate for using the arts to connect children with the inherent beauty of and deserved respect for cultures that might be different from their own
To connect a diverse array of artists with schools and community organizations
To help empower artists through learning, teaching and performance opportunities
To establish the Center as a national model for other communities

OUR HISTORY

GLOBAL EDUCATION CENTER was founded in 1997 by director Ellen Gilbert, an anti-bias, multicultural education specialist. In her work as an administrator, a teacher and a parent volunteer, Ellen saw a need for developing intercultural understanding and respect and for exploring ways in which to create classrooms that are safe havens for all of our children. With encouragement from educators throughout the area, she partnered with a diverse pool of artists to create lively programming that beckons all of the senses to experience the richness and beauty of different cultures, offering creative solutions to confront cultural and religious intolerance, stereotypes, misinformation, lack of information and the many negative "isms" of American society which make harmonious living difficult for many people.

OUR MISSION

To use the arts of diverse cultures

To highlight the commonalties of all people
To promote global awareness and concern
To develop empathy, understanding and respect for the individual and for all of humanity
To support the Center's belief that fairness and justice are basic human rights for all

OUR PROGRAMS

Passport to Understanding School Outreach

Interactive museum displays
Assembly performances
Drum and dance residencies
Concerts for school groups
Professional development for teachers
Cultural resources and consultations

Global Connections Community Outreach

After school arts program
Summer multicultural arts camp
Drum and dance classes
Community concerts and performances
Multicultural arts dialogues

Pathways to Understanding Senior Outreach

Community concerts and special events
Classes and workshops
ESL for international seniors (pending)
Fit-at-Fifty dance and exercise program