Emerson College

Arts, ecology, and education in community

Why We’ve Invited Emerson College

WholeFam’s Fall 2025 Field Research Project seeks out communities that embody integrative models of living and learning. Emerson College, rooted in the anthroposophical tradition, is known for weaving together the arts, ecology, and holistic education into a living curriculum.

We believe Emerson’s work offers valuable insights for both community building and the renewal of adult life — showing how creativity, ecology, and spiritual inquiry can sustain a culture of resilience and care.

What We Hope to Learn

  • Education in Community: How Emerson integrates arts, biodynamics, and social learning as part of daily life.
  • Creative Renewal: How artistic practice supports not only children and students, but also adults seeking to reconnect with their own creative capacities.
  • Ecological Integration: How biodynamic farming and ecological awareness ground the life of the college.
  • Living Traditions: How the school sustains anthroposophy’s principles while adapting to the needs of modern learners.

Why This Matters to WholeFam

WholeFam is developing sanctuaries where individuals and families can restore themselves through creativity, community, and ecological living. Emerson provides a model for how:

  • Art can serve as a pathway to self-discovery and belonging
  • Ecology can anchor community life in tangible, regenerative practices
  • Education can serve both children and adults in cycles of renewal

These lessons are essential as we seek to create communities that are not only safe, but also deeply enlivening.

Our Inquiry with Emerson

During our residency we hope to explore:

  • How artistic expression is used as a daily practice of integration and renewal
  • How ecological rhythms (through biodynamics and land stewardship) inform community health
  • How Emerson balances tradition and innovation in its teaching
  • How adult education is supported alongside youth learning

Learn More

For more information about Emerson College, visit: https://emerson.org.uk

Project Context

This visit is part of the WholeFam Field Research Project – Fall 2025, a comparative study of contemplative, ecological, educational, and artistic communities across Europe. Our aim is to gather and share lessons that will inform the development of future sanctuaries and provide open-source guidance for others seeking to build resilient, compassionate communities.