The Curators of Dixon School

Curators clip from PAMELA SHERROD ANDERSON on Vimeo.

“The Curators of Dixon School” is a powerful story about lessons learned when art is at the heart of education.

Dixon Elementary School, a public school on Chicago’s South Side, rejects the institutional atmosphere of public schools in challenging communities. Instead, educators at Dixon replaced beige walls with colorful works of art, and priceless sculptures are in the hall among the students’ lockers.

Here, art is part of the daily lesson plan. Sculptures and paintings are displayed openly. Students are encouraged to interact with – and respect – the museum-quality African-American art. The collection, started by Dixon Elementary’s former principal, reflects the creative leadership passed down from one principal to the next.

The art mirrors the community the school serves. It’s a reminder to all who pass through Dixon’s doors that the African-American experience is a complex one and helps students connect with their history, their community and each other.

Written and directed by Pamela Sherrod Anderson, “The Curators of Dixon School” proves art at the heart of education makes a difference.

The documentary was filmed over a two-year period and features the art of Dayo Laoye, Carolyn Elaine, Peter Gray and Faheem Majeed, among many others. “The Curators of Dixon School” features original music composed by Emmy-Award winning trumpeter Orbert Davis and additional music by Aisha Kahlil of Grammy-Award winning African-American a capella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock.