We are excited to announce the 2025 NYSATA Conference, Navigating the Waves, where we will explore the transformative potential of art in navigating challenges, celebrating resilience, and finding hope in uncertain times. This year, we are calling for workshop proposals that focus on the ways in which art education can foster personal growth, community connection, and innovation—even in the face of adversity. We invite art educators, artists, and thought leaders to submit workshop proposals that address, but are not limited to, the following topics: 

• Resilience and Healing through Art: How have you used art to overcome challenges, inspire others, or facilitate emotional recovery and mental well-being? 
• Creativity in the Face of Adversity: What can we learn about the role of art in fostering hope, resilience, and optimism in times of social, cultural, or environmental turmoil?
• Innovative Methods: What approaches to teaching art emphasize adaptability, inclusion, and empowerment, particularly during uncertain times?
• Art as a Tool for Social Change: What is the role of art in raising awareness, fostering empathy, and building solidarity?
• Fostering Inclusivity and Representation: How can art education celebrate diverse voices and reflect the experiences of marginalized groups?
• The Role of Technology in Advancing Art Education: How might we leverage digital tools to expand the reach of art education and foster new forms of creative expression?

Workshops should be 50 or 110 minutes in length and can be interactive, hands-on, or lecture-based. We encourage proposals that engage participants in active learning, discussion, and collaborative creation. Proposals should include clear objectives and an overall description of the session plan. Preference will be given to workshops that emphasize practical strategies that participants can implement in their own classrooms or communities.

Join us in shaping a conference that celebrates the resilience, creativity, and optimism that art education can foster. We encourage diverse perspectives and inclusive approaches. All levels of experience and backgrounds are welcome—whether you’re a seasoned educator or a newcomer with a fresh perspective. Let’s inspire each other to create, collaborate, and find hope through the transformative power of art.