Since 1997, a cluster of 5 schools in Dublin’s south inner city has collaborated on an innovative project. This project uses art as a means of helping children develop their sense of self.
While there is nothing new in using art in this manner, what is different about this project is that it draws the valuable resources that are already in situ within the schools and adds a few vital elements.
The available resources are simply the class teachers and the familiar environment of the classroom. When the expertise of an artist is added to the equation, what evolves is a working relationship between teacher and artist with one goal in mind – to provide children with time to explore their creative energy, time to experience the process of what it is to be.
This allows for the multitude of emotional responses that will unfold. Most importantly it gives permission for these responses to be present and provides a safe environment for them to be engaged with.
Meet The Artists
These are the people who make the magic happen and the current artists in Creativity In The Classroom.
"Every child who attends our schools has an opportunity to create and participate in high quality, meaningful artistic engagement with experienced artists"
The Schools
Creativity in the classroom grew out of the 'Canal Communities' partnerships attempt to address social and educational inequity in a dynamic way, with the hope of eventually impacting on early school leaving endemic in our area. Following consultation with the local schools it was decided that a visual arts approach would present the children with an opportunity to have new learning experiences, an exposure to learning in a creative way, and at the same time exploring concepts and ways of working individually and collectively. Below are the 5 schools our program runs in.
The Working Model
This is a visual arts programme: which is presented in a holistic and therapeutic manner.
An artist is assigned to each school & works with a class over a 5-8 week period.
Materials are explored, the children are encourage to get creative and each week builds on the previous one.
Each session is approximately 2 hours in duration
Parent & Child workshops are an intrinsic part of the process and happen in the latter part of the program.
Teachers & Artists work together to benefit the development of the children
One session consists of a visit to a place of artistic interest with the parent, teacher and artist
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