ISTA’s global arts blog
SCENE.
Ideas, insight and stories from our global ensemble of artists, educators and young people.
Insight
9 stories
Arts Uptake Is About Permission, Not Persuasion
Drawing on his doctoral research, Michael Bindon explores why declining participation in the arts may be less about persuading students to choose them, and more about whether schools genuinely enable that choice.
Young people have never needed Film education more
In a world saturated with moving images, social media and AI, ISTA's Executive Director Michael Bindon makes the case for putting Film education firmly into young people’s hands.
From rehearsal room back to the classroom: How TAPS Perspectives supports IB DP Theatre students
Discover how TAPS Perspectives connects IB DP Theatre students with professional artists, live performance and reflection to support their learning.
A new ISTA year: strengthening our Global Ensemble
ISTA Executive Director Mike Bindon reflects on community feedback, organisational improvements and new global learning opportunities shaping the year ahead.
Why the Future of Theatre Education Begins with Less
As AI reshapes arts education, ISTA is championing human-centred practice that strengthens the focus, judgement, collaboration and creative responsibility young artists need to make meaningful work.
The Act of Making: Rethinking Concept-Based Learning for Theatre Teachers
Most concept-based professional learning was built around the Structure of Knowledge — understanding extracted from texts and analysis. But theatre teaching lives in the Structure of Process. Michael Bindon on why the framework never quite fit, and what changes when you find the language that does.
Mimetic Isomorphism and the Optionality of the Arts in the IB Diploma Programme
One of the most persistent assumptions in international schools is that Group 6 in the IB Diploma Programme must be presented to students as an optional subject group.
Why “Caught Using AI” Is the Wrong Conversation for Arts Education
The year has begun with multiple international news stories about politicians, government officials, and public figures being “caught” using artificial intelligence.
Breaking Barriers in IB Arts: Rethinking Student Choice and the Optionality of Group 6 in the DP
Across the world, the arts continue to transform lives, fostering creative expression, intercultural understanding, and a vital sense of belonging for young people. Yet in many international education contexts…