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, March 5, 2008

Unveiling of the Pilot April 3rd 8:30 am at Nottingham HS

Vince and I went to Nottingham High School today for a meeting to plan the April 3rd donor event. I am trying to get them to word it in the press release as an unveiling of the pilot - to keep expectations in check - and so there is the understanding that parts are a work in progress. All seemed willing and excited.

The RV will drive up to the front of Nottingham at 7:30 am on April 3rd and we will set it up. The guests will arrive at 8:30. The Thursday before (the 27th) we will do a mock drive over at 9am to see that it all fits and works. I scheduled this during class time and not everyone needs to go on the 27th - maybe one or two people - as there will be plenty to do back at the shop.

I hope that everyone can come on the April 3rd - even if you have not been around much this semester! Two or three students will likely do the public speaking again - but they want all of you to do the touring of the bus and showing the donors, the Chancellor and the school district kids around the bus. Please confirm that you will be there that morning.

Also any help anyone can give us from March 20-April 3rd would be appreciated. We will be charrette-ing around the clock (ceiling installation, upholstering, cabinet fabrication and staining, cleaning the cab, setting up and testing the ramp, finishing electrical) for those last two weeks. Check with the blog for jobs. Thanks and hope you are all well! I know you are busy.
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