Draft:ISTA Global Learning Through the Arts
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| Submission declined on 9 April 2025 by Robert McClenon (talk). This submission appears to read more like an advertisement than an entry in an encyclopedia. Encyclopedia articles need to be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources, not just to materials produced by the creator of the subject being discussed. This is important so that the article can meet Wikipedia's verifiability policy and the notability of the subject can be established. If you still feel that this subject is worthy of inclusion in Wikipedia, please rewrite your submission to comply with these policies. Declined by Robert McClenon 20 days ago. | |
Comment: This draft reads like an advertisement, but Wikipedia is not for advertising. Robert McClenon (talk) 20:17, 9 April 2025 (UTC)
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International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA)
[edit]The International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) is a UK-registered arts education charity that supports arts-based learning for students and educators in international schools. Founded in 1978 and registered as a charity on 2 October 1995,[1] the organisation promotes intercultural exchange through theatre and arts festivals, artist residencies, and professional development workshops.
ISTA is closely associated with International Baccalaureate (IB) schools and is a recognised provider of IB teacher training in Theatre and Film. It has also contributed to the publication of official IB resources.[2][3]
History
[edit]ISTA was founded by American educator Patricia Zich in 1978 as a platform to connect international school students through collaborative theatre. Initially operating as a small collective, the organisation gradually expanded into a global network of member schools, freelance artists, and arts educators.
Leadership of the organisation transitioned over the decades. Sally Robertson served as Director until 2022, overseeing a period of significant growth and alignment with IB programmes.[4] From 2022 until his death in 2023, the organisation was led by Dinos Aristidou, a long-time contributor and advocate for creative justice in the arts.[5] In 2023, Dr Mike Bindon was appointed as Executive Director.[6]
Activities and Programmes
[edit]ISTA engages in a range of educational activities intended to support the teaching and learning of theatre and film in international school settings. With a membership of approximately 250 schools worldwide, the organisation offers events for students that focus on collaborative theatre-making and the exploration of multiple art forms, alongside training and development opportunities for educators. ISTA also contributes to the creation of subject-specific resources and publishes a journal dedicated to international arts education and pedagogy.[7]
A central aspect of ISTA’s approach is the ensemble method, which emphasises collaboration, shared responsibility, and collective creativity in the theatre-making process. This methodology is used across student events and educator programmes to foster a sense of community and intercultural understanding.
Global Reach
[edit]ISTA events are held annually across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.[8] Its educational model and programming have been the subject of academic study and are referenced in scholarly research,[9][10] as well as education blogs and practitioner platforms.[11]
Governance
[edit]The organisation is overseen by a Board of Trustees and operated by a team of full-time staff and freelance artists based in multiple countries. ISTA’s work continues to be shaped by its founding principles of intercultural understanding and collaborative learning through the arts.
References
[edit]- ^ THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS THEATRE ASSOCIATION overview – GOV.UK
- ^ ISBN 9798986964508 – International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Theatre Student Handbook.
- ^ ISTA DP workshops in Toulouse, France, June 2025
- ^ In Conversation: ISTA Directors Sally Robertson & Ian Pike – ISTA
- ^ Remembering Dinos Aristidou
- ^ Letter to the community from Mike Bindon – ISTA's new Executive Director
- ^ Gough (2024). "Underscores & Subtexts". Theatre Anthropologies, 3–4: 215–254. doi:10.7413/2724-623X070
- ^ Events – ISTA Global
- ^ Drouet, Anne; Campana, Jillian (2020). "The ISTA Performing Arts Academies in Shanghai and Hong Kong". In Western Theatre in Global Contexts. Routledge. pp. 133–146. doi:10.4324/9780367204990-12. ISBN 978-0-367-20499-0
- ^ O'Brien, Juliette (2023). "Dancing into Communities: Creativity and Collaboration through Dance Using the International Schools Theatre Association Model".
- ^ Staging our stories: Amala partners with International School Theatre Association – Amala