TAB is a style of art pedagogy where the central theme is that the student is in charge of their learning and sees the space as their studio. This self-directed work is usually anchored in one of these 8 guiding principles, or "studio habits of mind" 

Much of our teaching approach at RCA and even the physical organization of the studio is influenced by TAB, and in this way has allowed our space to have a communal mindset as it is really everyone's studio.  TAB plays a huge role in our programs for both Kids and Teens. The big question is how does this fun studio time for youth turn them into people who will reform our society into a better place to live? 

The key answer to this is ownership & encouragement. When young people can see the studio space as their own, it becomes a microcosm of how their actions and decisions affect others in the larger community. It gives them purpose and responsibility to use their developing skillsets to do good, to listen carefully to others, and make choices that will benefit us all rather than a privileged few. When young people feel encouraged to pursue their interests, whether that be developing a new comic book, or organizing with peers to use the arts to advocate for a cause they care about, they feel validated, understood, and it gives them the confidence to go further and dream bigger.