Dear Arts Lovers,

May is a time of looking forward to traveling, vacation, and seeing family. Cinco de Mayo brings the fiesta; a date that was originally marked by Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 has evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American culture, complete with parades, food, and music.

As we enjoy the festivities that this season brings, let us also think of ways that we can uplift others who could use a little fiesta in their lives. Reconnect with a friend or family member, reach out to your neighbors, or donate your time to a cause. It is when people are hurting that love, unity, and joy are most needed.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Christine Matovich

Founder, CommonTime

Did you know? Christine recently presented at the EU4Dual Conference in Malta!

She represented Arts Education and its vital role in STEAM at the secondary, higher, and vocational training. Christine was the only non-university and arts education speaker at the conference, and was chosen for her expertise to present as part of the segment on Future Workplace Skills.

EU4Dual focuses on the future of European Dual Higher Education and the changing status quo in the face of the pandemic, migration, and disruptive technologies. This conference is a venue for experts to discuss the research, data, testimonials, and practices to address the needs of education in Industry 5.0 and beyond.

Did you miss “Building a Better World with Students” with ISS? No problem! All three parts are now available as a pre-recorded, self-paced course! In part 2, Christine will take you on a journey of artful Integration for you, your learners, and your community. You will enrich understanding by delighting in diversity, connect your artistic skills across subjects, and leave with a map in hand to chart your next artfully inclusive journey. 

It’s not too late to participate in Global Family Virtual Choir & World Children’s Choir’s With One Dream Initiative! People of all nations and ages – children, teens, adults, seniors – are invited to show their support, love, hope, and solidarity for the people of Palestine. With One Dream Initiative includes an international virtual choir video, an online benefit concert, and features videos, art, poems, essays, and letters contributed by people around the world.

The Global Family Virtual Choir video will be composed of videos submitted by people like you. If you would like to lend your voice, recordings will be made on EasyVirtualChoir.com and are due by May 15th, 2024. The concert will be streamed live in an online event, and ticket proceeds received by World Children’s Choir will be donated to an organization or agency working with children in Gaza.