The first week in Urbana: initial concepts, questions, formulations. We’ll begin collaborative composition, share desired images and avoidances, gather descriptions of the social and physical environments we know and those we would prefer. The problems we encounter: can they be solved within the current system, or do they require a change of system?

The second week: experiential immersion in situations that offer new perspectives on society and the social. Several options will be suggested. One is to go on a Gesundheit Institute clown tour of Costa Rica, clowning in children’s hospitals, mental health facilities, and with community self-help projects. (To read more about the Costa Rica tour, click HERE ) Others include volunteering with community projects in and around the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center.

The third week we reconvene in Urbana to reflect on the experiences of the second week in light of the visions and questions of the first week. This third week will culminate in a public artistic presentation of findings and projected next steps. Students who would like to stay and work further with us on the projects they’ve generated, are invited to propose a 3-month residency (September 4-November 30).
 
 

 

General Information

Accommodations: Accommodations to be announced soon… We will arrange modest rooming for participants, with orientation on living in community.
Cost: Sliding scale available.

• $3200 for 3 month residency • September 4 – November 30, including dormitory room & trip to Costa Rica.  (This fee does not include your transportation to Costa Rica or Urbana, IL.)
• $2000 for 3 week intensive • September 4 – 21, including the Costa Rica tour. (This fee does not include your transportation to Costa Rica or Urbana, IL.)
• $1250 for only the Costa Rica tour • September 10-16, (covers food, lodging, all educational and clowning events, and transportation within the country. This fee does not include your transportation to Costa Rica or Urbana, IL.)

Travel: Travel to Urbana, IL and Costa Rica are not included in the fees. If you would like to join a group flight for lower rates, please contact Dario If you plan to meet us in Costa Rica, please arrive by the evening of September 9.
Registration: To confirm your registration, we ask you please to (1) Register here and (2) Send either your full payment ($3200, $2000, or $1250), or a $500 (non-refundable) deposit by August 22.

Who is invited?

You are! No prior background is required, just concern for the welfare of others and willingness to try things out.

Questions?

Feel free to contact Melanie.