News briefs: INSIGHTS puppetry program; Carlos’ new associate museum director; GMA rebrand; inaugural Gwinnett Creativity Fund

The Center for Puppetry Arts recently announced a new partnership with New York University’s INSIGHTS program. The evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL) program developed by Dr. Sandee McClowry of NYU will enable the Center to expand and deliver engaging experiences for youths through puppet-based performances brought directly to classrooms in select Title I Metro Atlanta schools starting this fall. The concept is designed to increase emotional intelligence and aid in behavioral regulation for young children through engaging puppetry performances. INSIGHT’s curriculum relies on four puppet characters that represent different temperament styles; Coretta the Cautious, Gregory the Grumpy, Fredrico the Friendly and Hilary the Hard Worker. “Puppetry has a unique ability to connect with students’ emotions and imaginations, and we are honored to partner with Dr. McClowry to amplify the reach of this important program,” said Center for Puppetry Arts Executive Director Beth Schiavo in a statement. 

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Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum recently announced the appointment of Jena Sibille to the role of associate museum director for public programs. In this position, Sibille will lean on her extensive museum experience to plan public programs such as talks, lectures and K-12 programs, in addition to overseeing exhibition development for the museum. Most recently, Sibille served as museum curator for the Fulton County Schools Teaching Museum & Archives, where she was responsible for two museum facilities in addition to managing the school district archives. During this role, she served 80,000 students and produced more than 800 programs each year. “I am very excited to welcome Jena to our team at the museum,” said Henry S. Kim, associate vice provost and director of the Carlos Museum. “Over the last two years, we have focused our efforts on re-centering our narratives, placing communities at the heart of our programs. With her extensive experience in community engagement, Jena is a perfect fit for us at this moment in time, as we look to deepening our work with communities.”

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The Georgia Museum of Art (GMA) is launching a full rebrand in collaboration with the international design studio Pentagram. In an effort to find a new, updated look that will reflect the museum’s core values of inspiration, well-being, discovery and curiosity, they are embracing a simple but flexible brandline: “____ More Art.” This concept was inspired by visitor feedback and allows for an adaptable theme, allowing the insertion of words to generate taglines such as “See More Art,” “Enjoy More Art” or “Support More Art,” among others. The GMA will also have a new, updated logo that uses a custom typeface called Georgia Facet. “Our new brand reflects a museum that’s evolving — dynamic, accessible and deeply connected to campus life at UGA and community life in Athens and beyond,” said Museum Director David Odo in a statement. “I hope the new identity invites both longtime visitors and the next generation to engage, explore and be inspired by our incredible collection and programs.”

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Explore Gwinnett has awarded $100,000 through an inaugural placemaking grant that will support a number of art programs throughout the county. The Gwinnett Creativity Fund (GCF) provides support for projects that enhance public spaces, and this first issuance of grant funding will be used to produce two murals and decorative crosswalk projects in unincorporated Gwinnett — plus a reading grotto at the Gwinnett County Public Library entrance in Town Center Park; a multiphase “Norcross Forever” utility box wrap project; a pocket park in Technology Park; and a bioswale and landscape feature adjacent to Coleman Middle School. The GCF hopes to increase the county’s profile as a cultural and inclusive destination. Grants are developed, administered and managed by Explore Gwinnett Tourism + Film and funded by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners.