About Us
PEACE Forward is a two-day conference hosted by Patchogue Arts Council that brings together educators, artists, cultural organizations, policymakers, and funders to share outcomes from the PEACE Project and explore sustainable models for arts-in-education partnerships.
Taking place April 27-28 at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, the conference centers student voice, highlights research and case studies, and fosters exchange across the arts and education community. Day 1 focuses on classroom practice and collaboration that support student success, while Day 2 addresses policy, funding, sustainability, and long-term impact.
Details
Date & Time
Monday April 27-Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Check-In: 9:30 AM
Event Program: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location
Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
71 East Main Street
Patchogue, NY 11772
Overview
PEACE Forward is a two-day conference hosted by Patchogue Arts Council that convenes educators, artists, and community partners to share outcomes from the PEACE Project and advance arts-in-education partnerships. Through conversations on practice and policy, the conference supports collaboration and sustainable approaches to arts integration.
Who Should Attend
PEACE Forward is designed for educators across disciplines, school and district leaders, students, artists, and cultural organizations engaged in arts-in-education work. The conference also welcomes funders, local officials, civic and business leaders, chambers of commerce, current and past PEACE Project partners, and those interested in building new cross-sector collaborations.
Registration Required
CTLE Credits available through Eastern Suffolk BOCES
Sponsorships available | Questions? Contact Beth Giacummo | Contact
Edel Rodriguez is a Cuban American artist and illustrator whose work explores identity, migration, memory, and social justice through bold, graphic imagery. Born in Havana in 1971 and raised in a rural farming community, Rodriguez immigrated to the United States during the Mariel boatlift in 1980, an experience that continues to shape his perspective and creative practice. His work reflects the intersection of personal history, political realities, and cultural displacement, offering powerful visual language for understanding contemporary social issues.
Rodriguez holds a B.F.A. from Pratt Institute and an M.F.A. from Hunter College. His illustrations have appeared in major publications including The New York Times, TIME, and The New Yorker, and his work is held in institutional collections such as the Smithsonian. In addition to his editorial practice, Rodriguez has illustrated award-winning children’s books and completed public-facing commissions, bringing complex ideas into accessible, widely shared visual form.
The schedule is forthcoming!
