This week the Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP) selected the teaching artist to lead the Digital Investigations program we are running in Frances Perkins Academy. Artist and educator Dillon de Give will work with 11 students during the 2015 – 2016 school year to create a documentary that explores the questions where does our trash go? Who decides?

de Give has worked along with CUP and high school students on several projects about local NYC government, as well as a project about garbage infrastructure. He is also a co-founder of the Walk Exchange, a cooperative walking group. Dillon holds a BS in Radio/Television/Film from Northwestern University and an MFA in Art and Social Practice from Portland State University. He lives, works and helps to raise a child in Brooklyn NY.

Together, de Give and CUP selected a Teaching Artist Assistant to help in the classroom, artist Emmanuela Soria Ruiz. Originally from Spain, she often thinks about her own experience as a teenager moving to New York City and is delighted to work with high school students. She works in a variety of mediums, including video, but working with cup will be her first time collaborating with such a big crew. She recently got her BFA from The Cooper Union and in her free time she watches mystery films, reads dog biographies and wonders about about the meaning of time now that she is not at student anymore.

We’re excited to have them both on board!