Emily Clarke

Contemporary Arts master's student in the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology 

I am a settler, born and raised on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Television & Radio and a Higher National Diploma in Media Performance from the University of Salford in Manchester, UK. I am an arts industry professional, advocate, activist, and mother, currently completing my Master of Arts in Contemporary Arts at the SFU School for Contemporary Arts. In 2023, I aspire to begin my PhD in Arts Education at SFU.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

The SCA MA in Contemporary Arts offers a space to explore unique and experimental artistic research that is at the cutting-edge of anti-oppression and transformative arts practices.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My research practice centres on arts integration as a foundation for social justice and decolonization in early education, with a focus on music and musical storytelling as a pedagogical tool for teaching and learning. The goal is to influence systemic change in the educational system to support the integration of inclusive and accessible music, arts, and creativity in the K-12 BC curriculum.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I appreciate the variety of diverse research methods that the School for Contemporary Arts has offered me through its supportive artist-scholar faculty and guests.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

The Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship and the Graduate Fellowship.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

I am motivated by the philosophy that the arts are fundamental to education because they are fundamental to human knowledge, culture, communication, community, and expression. I believe every child has great potential but what they need is the opportunity. I think that particularly at a young age, an excellent, well-rounded education should include engaging in art practices, consistently, and social and economic status should not define those opportunities.

Contact : eca114@sfu.ca