Philly Students Turn Current School Crisis Into Art

Students in Philly public schools are drawing inspiration from the budget crisis surrounding them.

By Julianne Hing Nov 19, 2013

For students at Philadelphia’s Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School, the real-life tragedy of the city’s current public schools budget crisis is both the current backdrop and the inspiration for a new art project. The "Alphabet of Hope and Struggle," unveiled this week in the city, takes viewers through every letter, accompanying every letter with a photo and a word inspired by the crushing crisis which has left schools stripped of counselors, nurses, librarians, teachers, textbooks, and more.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on the photo-based project led by art teacher Joshua Kleiman:

A is for abandoned – a student sitting against a stark black background, head down, arms around her knees.

B is for budget – a thin wallet opened to reveal no cash inside.

C is for crowded – too many students packed into a tight space.

F is for future, a student in cap and gown … Z is for zipped, a student with tape over his mouth, symbolizing voicelessness.

It’s a poignant, beautifully produced project. Check out the Inquirer page for their gallery of photos.