The Program
Cultural Arts Literacy was created for students in Berkeley Public Library's Berkeley READS Adult Literacy Program. Programming began in 2009 with support from a grant from BALIS. Cultural Arts Literacy continues as a working program through Berkeley READS.
Adult Learners attend field trips to local Museums. After the field trip, we offer an art class related to the themes introduced during the Museum visit. This gives the learners a chance to get hands on experience with art and tap into their own creativity. In addition to viewing other people's artwork, learners participate in the creative process.
Learners continue to study reading, writing, spelling, and grammar as they prepare for the field trips: They begin by researching the Museum website; during the visit they read labels and Museum pamphlets, and discuss the art; after the visit they write about their experience.