MLAB MISSION STATEMENT


The Mobile Literacy Arts Bus (MLAB) is an artist-run, renovated recreational vehicle that exists as a flexible space open to community members’ proposals for alternative educational and cultural programming.

MLAB is the collaborative effort of the 2007-2008 Social Sculpture class at Syracuse University, comprised of 10 art and architecture students and lead by artist and Director of Community Initiatives in the Visual Arts of Syracuse University, Marion Wilson. Our mission was to transform a used, 1984 Recreational Vehicle Bus into a Mobile Literacy and Arts Bus for use by the Syracuse City School District and the greater Syracuse Community. MLAB serves as a physical manifestation of Syracuse University’s Scholarship in Action initiative, by pairing University resources with community needs in an attempt to address the staggering drop out rates in the Syracuse City School District High Schools. Through the School of Education at Syracuse University, incredible curricula that bridge photography, poetry and literacy currently exist within the public schools-- however due to a crisis of space, the schools don't always have the space or resources to house it. MLAB is this space. The bus serves as a mobile classroom, digital photo lab, gallery space, and community center. As a team, we did it all: demolition, design, and construction.

MLAB is made possible from the generous support of the School of Education at Syracuse University and Entitiative.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Honorific Opportunity!

So if meeting with the Chancellor wasn't enough. We as a class have an opportunity
to apply for the Chancellor's Award for Public Engagement and Scholarship:

Syracuse University puts bold ideas in motion through Scholarship in Action - an educational approach that matches the vigorous pursuit of knowledge with the ability to make a difference in the world through community engagement. The Chancellor’s Award for Public Engagement & Scholarship (formerly known as the Chancellor’s Award for Public Service - CAPS), recognizes the committed students at Syracuse University who exemplify Scholarship in Action. This award acknowledges individual students, groups of students, residence halls, residences floors, student organizations, and academic projects or classes who invest themselves in and contribute to the public good. All faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate individual students and groups.

So Marion.... how about a nomination? I really think that we could get it. I don't think it comes with a financial package but if it did we would of course put it towards the bus!
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1 comment:

Marion said...

if you write it i will nominate. :) at this point we don't need any more recognition we need someone who can work in the wood shop! We really need to be focussing on the workplan...
please keep chancellor news off of the blog also fyi.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007 1:10:00 PM

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