I am very excited to announce that my co-editor, Dr. Bryna Bobick, and I are co-editing a book. Dr. Bobick teaches art education here at the University of Memphis. We are combining her interest in art and my interest in civil society to edit the book Handbook of Research on the Facilitation of Civic Engagement through Community Art. We are currently seeking chapter proposals for the book.

We see examples of the interaction of art and civic engagement all around us. The picture to the right is of “A Note for Hope” by Chicago artist Jeff Zimmerman. He was assisted by Rhodes College students and the Center for Outreach in the Development of the Arts staff. Zimmermann painted an original, five-story high mural on the east side of a vacant building that is visible from the stands of the Memphis Redbirds stadium. Stax Museum just opened the art exhibition Stax: Visions of Soul which displays works created in response to socially conscious music from the Stax catalog. Motown: The Musical just played here in Memphis. Founder Barry Gordy broke down many racial barriers through the music produced at Motown. The nonprofit organization Playback Memphis seeks to create social change through ‘Performing the Peace.’ This project is based in theatrical practices and brings together formerly incarcerated individuals and police officers to create an honest and open dialogue and strengthen social and emotional relations within the community. These are just a few examples of how art and civil society interact.

How are the arts interacting with your community? Tell the world through this new book. We are looking for chapters from artists, practitioners, and academics. The focus is broad-based and inclusive. For full details on the call for chapters, please check out the website at http://www.igi-global.com/publish/call-for-papers/call-details/1878. We look forward to seeing your proposal.