Graded Wins CASE Global Communications Award
The Graded Gazette
Graded's Advancement Communications Department has received a global 2022 CASE Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education for Art Stories, a compilation of videos showcasing the school's 2021 IB Visual Arts seniors and their capstone projects.
The CASE Circle of Excellence Awards, the premier international recognition program for educational advancement, celebrate the creative and innovative ways schools, universities, and educational non-profits drive institutional success. Graded was one of just 12 schools internationally this year to win such an award.
The COVID-19 pandemic was the impetus for Art Stories. Unable to hold an in-person 2021 IB Visual Arts Exhibition, teacher Amanda York seized an opportunity. She had her ten IB Visual Arts seniors build online galleries using virtual reality software.
Graded's Advancement Communications Department brought the galleries to life by creating and promoting an exhibition microsite. Video Production Manager Flávia Angélico (who splits her time at Graded between the Communications Department and the Upper School classroom) interviewed each student, alongside Ms. York, about their work. Students and Ms. York assisted in the video production, resulting in a compelling collection of supplemental video artists' statements.
For Graded's IB Visual Arts students, their final exhibition marks the culmination of a two-year artistic process. Under normal circumstances, the IB Visual Arts Exhibition is housed at Graded's Lemann-Tully Arts Center and is only viewable by a São Paulo audience. Art Stories and the 2021 virtual exhibit allowed viewers worldwide to enjoy the artwork.
"Art Stories is an exemplar of both student engagement and faculty/staff collaboration, and we are thrilled that CASE has recognized this project," says Graded Chief Strategic Communications and Advancement Officer Susan Clain. "It also demonstrates how technology, strong communications, and good design can help address an institutional challenge."
