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.


Sunday, March 16, 2008

Post Card New LOOK






Three New LOOK






8 comments:

Marion said...

Yes the third one is best where we can still see the bus! What's with the French maids - what about plastic wrapped butlers.

Zach said...

I like the floor one a lot, though my opinion is probably a little biased...

Vincent Appel said...

They have all been really great so far. Though, I like the floor one the best. Also, the title sounds really awkward. How about just 'MLAB Unveiling' 'MLAB Pilot' 'MLAB Pre-Release' 'MLAB Sneak Preview' or 'MLAB Spring Preview'?

I like 'MLAB Spring Preview'

cazhog said...

My two cents is the flooring version has the most connection to the project. I agree that the unveiling of the pilot is awkward. I would go with something like MLAB Preview. If we kept the french maids I would be more inclined for an unveiling.

Zach said...

ditto on the awkward title. i think MLAB spring preview/preview works nicely. Marion - does this conflict with what has been told to the politicians school boards etc??

Zach said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Marion said...

I like MLAB Spring Preview.
No we were only trying to be sensitive to some of your concerns that we are not "finished" - thus the "pilot". I like Spring Preview because it implies a future.

But oohh ewww - what is the right sound for this- I don't like the floor card as much even tho you are right it does relate to the project. It seems a tad literal or hokey, no? Hmmmm I could be persuaded maybe.....is there something to be done with the typeface or something...I am intrigued that is the one you all liked best.

Unknown said...

FLOOR BOARDS WITH ARGENTINIAN POOL/COW BOYS.

By the way, I'm a little upset that i missed the french mades image, could someone send it to me? I didnt see it yet.

Spring Preview is good.

i do like the floor board too... It's a really nice image. Though I also like the bus with color washes too!

-jessica