The ComunicArte Project (CAP) is a community-based art education program that uses innovative, experiential teaching methods to address pressing environmental and social issues of our time. CAP artist-educators collaborate with participants to creatively confront the challenges their communities face by planning, designing and creating artworks that act as a catalyst for dialogue and action. CAP believes that art can be a powerful tool for promoting critical thinking, fostering grass-roots conservation efforts and visualizing more sustainable lifestyles.

Our Vision - CAP was formed in response to the need for community cultural development and meaningful educational programs that further conservation efforts. Too much of today's global cultural paradigm is focused on economic profit and short-term gain. There is an urgent need for education and experiences that demonstrate the interconnection between the planet and ourselves. CAP's primary site, the southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica, is a region recognized as one of the most biologically intense places on earth by National Geographic Magazine (2005). The ecological integrity of this unique area relies, in part, on the practices of its inhabitants. However, various native flora and fauna are currently listed as endangered or critically endangered (IUCN 2004). CAP believes that it is only through envisioning a new culture of environmental stewardship and social engagement that we can address the root of our illness.

Who we are - In its second year of inception, CAP is made up of an ever-changing group of artists and educators working in partnership with the well-known Costa Rican marine conservation and research organization, PRETOMA. PRETOMA is a non-profit NGO that has been working to protect ocean resources and promote sustainable fisheries policies in Costa Rica and Central America since 1997. By combining knowledge, expertise and community contacts, CAP and PRETOMA provide a shining example of what can be done when passionate people from different disciplines put their heads together to work towards a unifying goal: creating a more interconnected, sustainable future.

We are so happy you found us on-line, now we hope you visit us or volunteer with us in the real world!

Informational Fiesta & Art Exhibition

Saturday, April 4, 2009 4:30-6:30PM

JFK University Berkeley Campus/Dept. of Arts & Consciousness
2956  San Pablo Ave., 2nd Floor, Berkeley, CA

For more information and to RSVP: 510-647-2046 or ralexander@jfku.edu