FROM THE ARCHIVES: Reflecting on AATE Conference 2024

2024 is the time to be surrounded by the inspiring work of local organizations, artists, and educators from Chicago amid a national dialogue. Chicago is rooted in community and has always been a seed for programming, theatre, and initiatives that expand to other cities nationwide. This year's conference rooted us in why creating, building and establishing communities is so fundamental to our work as arts and theatre educators. The questions of "How do we make space for new voices to expand accessibility?" and "How do we reclaim spaces to dream up new opportunities for theatre and education?" allowed us as team understand the need for highlighting youth and community voices that propagate change, and plant seeds for continued growth in our field.

Attending AATE this year has left me with countless insights, but one profound takeaway is the transformative power of a community that invests wholeheartedly in each other and in the next generation of voices, artists, educators, storytellers, and community members. When we intertwine our roots, we not only support one another but also extend our reach to spark change that reverberates throughout the world. Each of us has a vital role in the intricate tapestry of our society, and it is our collective duty to keep planting seeds, watering them with care, nurturing their growth, and allowing their roots to flourish and transform the landscape around us.