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Remix and reimagine literature Our exciting Summer Institute returns for its ninth year to support a new cohort of players as they discover new ways to engage with literature through shared, artistic storytelling. This year's selected text -- In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez — offers a unique opportunity to explore a story that blends historical fact and fiction, examining how resistance can become revolution, and the ways in which art and activism are entwined. Let your inner storyteller shine Throughout the month of July, we'll invite this year's players to let their creativity shine — on their own as they read and respond to this year's text, and then in collaboration as they weave together their artistic talents to create an original, co-created film based on In the Time of the Butterflies. Alongside our talented facilitators and professional teaching artists, players will have ample opportunity to discover all the ways in which stories can be unpacked and reimagined. |
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Inquisitive high school students will find an outlet for their creativity and curiosity at this unique institute, which will pair them with professional artists and teachers from around the world for an exclusive collaboration. As a student player in the institute, you'll tap into your reading, writing, performance, and multimedia abilities as you remix this year's selected text — In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez — and co-create an original film.
During this institute, you'll be able to:
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All players will navigate a blend of asynchronous (on their own) and synchronous (with others) opportunities throughout the institute, culminating in a live film premiere on July 29. Following the film premiere, we will gather for a final time on July 30 for a closing reflection and a chance to say goodbye. You will be asked to participate in the following ways:
View estimated synchronous schedule
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Inspired by the true story of the four Mirabal sisters who come of age in the Dominican Republic during the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship. Three of those sisters–known as “las mariposas” or “the butterflies” in the underground–become key figures in the resistance against Trujillo’s ruthless regime. In a review of the 25th anniversary edition, Anjanette Delgado writes in the New York Journal of Books:
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With a belief in the power of play in the classroom, our team of facilitators and teaching artists seek to expand traditional approaches to reading and writing, helping students access their creativity and engage deeply with literature. We can't wait to meet you!
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What makes a great student player at our Summer Institute? An interest in storytelling, a curiosity for literature, the desire to grow as a creator, and the ability to bring an open mind and collaborative spirit to our unique creative process.
All students who will be in high school (grades 9-12) in the fall of 2023 are welcome to apply! We find that the content of the institute speaks most closely to individuals who are interested in:
If this sounds like you, submit your application below! Early decision applicants should submit their application by May 2, 11:59PM EST, and expect to hear our decision by May 9. Regular decision applicants should submit their application by June 3, 11:59PM EST, and expect to hear our decision by June 10. |
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Applications
Is there an application fee?No, there is no fee for students to apply or participate in this institute. All institute materials will be provided free of charge to student players who are selected for the 2022 cohort. Do I need to be a student in NYC to apply?No, you do not need to be from NYC to apply for this institute! Applicants from all locations will be considered for this year's cohort. The 2022 Summer institute will take place virtually with synchronous (online together at the same time) and asynchronous (online together at different times) which makes it easy for people from around the world to participate without leaving home. Do I need to be familiar with the selected text before applying?Not at all! Reading the text is part of participating in the institute. I'm only in 8th grade — can I still apply?Sure! We give preference to those already in high school, but you can certainly apply. On the application, we ask that you tell us what grade you’re entering in the fall of 2022, so it would be appropriate to choose "9th grade". I already applied — when will I find out if I've been accepted?If you applied by the early decision deadline (May 2), you will be notified by May 9. If you applied for the regular decision deadline (after May 2 but before June 3), you will be notified by June 10. In the meantime, you’re welcome to email Adele Bruni Ashley at literacyunbound@tc.edu with any questions. Participation
Does it cost anything to participate in the institute?No, there is no fee for students to apply or participate in this institute. All institute materials will be provided free of charge to student players who are selected for the 2022 cohort. What equipment do I need to participate?At a minimum, all players will need to equip themselves with:
How much time should I commit to this institute?During the first two weeks of the institute, all of our collaboration will be asynchronous, and will take approximately two hours per day. During the second two weeks, players will commit to two hours of synchronous collaboration, as well as approximately two hours of asynchronous creation. Are there any in-person elements to this institute?No; all components of this year's institute are taking place online. What do I do during the asynchronous portion of the institute?During this period, you’ll focus on exploring this year’s text, In the Time of the Butterflies, and responding to our Invitations to Create, which will prompt you to reflect on and engage with the text, jumpstarting your creative process. Where can I find the synchronous institute schedule?Scroll up to the schedule section to view an outline of the time commitment involved in the institute, as well as an estimated daily schedule for the synchronous portion (July 18 - 29). No schedule is available for the asynchronous portions of the institute, as each player will be moving at their own pace, at times of their choosing. What happens on the day after the film premiere?All players will reconvene on July 30 to reflect on the institute and say our goodbyes. Other
Who can I contact with additional questions?Please reach out to Adele Bruni Ashley at literacyunbound@tc.edu. Can I see examples of previous institutes?Every institute is a little different, since it's shaped by the players involved, the space in which we create (physical or digital), and the text that we're working with. To get a sense of what it's been like to work with teaching artists and prepare for a performance, check out our video library, which includes highlights from past institutes. How can I learn more about Literacy Unbound?You can visit here to learn more about the work of Literacy Unbound, and to watch see highlights of past institutes. Feel free to send us a message at literacyunbound@tc.edu if you have additional questions! |
