Description

In the last decade, there has been a resurgence of interest in Black Mountain College (BMC), particularly regarding its progressive educational approaches and artistic experiments, evidenced by exhibitions held in the USA and Germany. Serving as an experimental ground for creative ideas and practices, BMC’s influence on the arts appears substantial. While the artists from BMC made notable contributions to the postwar avant-garde in the USA, the impact of BMC have extended beyond the realm of art. 
This talk examines BMC’s holistic approach to education, particularly noteworthy given the socio-political context of its existence from 1933 to 1957, marked by the looming threat of totalitarianism on liberal democracy. Educating individuals to embody sovereignty emerged as an urgent objective. With a mission to educate active agents cable of resisting totalitarian ideologies, BMC sought to provide an educational environment fostering students’ exploration of their potential for independent growth. 
Central to BMC’s progressive curriculum was a focus on creativity, positioning the arts as a cornerstone of educational practice. Active learning was encouraged, intertwining learning with experiential engagement. This approach helped students transform their personalities and life trajectories. BMC's legacy offers valuable insights and inspiration for shaping 21st-century education, which is inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the diverse needs and challenges of today's learners.