Socially Engaged Arts - MOOC (4cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

Learning outcome
Having completed the course the student can-outline the operating area of applied visual art-recognize the skills needed by a visual artist in designing and implementing event environments and events-understand the theoretical principles community art activity

Execution methods

Lectures and exercises 24 h, independent work 51 h

Accomplishment methods

Active participation in lectures and exercises. Implementation of tasks and group work

Content

Outlining the differences between visual art, community art, community based art education art, architecture. The course will explore specific strategies and approaches to socially engaged art practices through readings and direct engagement with community-based projects. Application options of visual art in event environments and programme services. Principles of art’s eff on wellbeing

Location and time

This course is completed independently at the participant’s pace. Participants will perform an independent study, aided by pre-recorded video lectures, presentations, podcasts and readings. Each lesson will offer self-paced learning based on lectures from contributors from the eight AMASS partner countries, and participants can choose the order in which they wish to engage with the lessons. Instructions for course completion will be provided throughout the course.

Materials

The 8 lessons, cover the following topics:

• Artistic open form in art education for the deaf: Connecting people – CZECH REPUBLIC
• Introduction to socially engaged art for inclusive communities – FINLAND
• Social media presence of disadvantaged communities: Arts-based interventions and visual storytelling to make their true voice clearly heard – HUNGARY
• Design-driven participatory processes with stakeholders in the arts and culture field – ITALY
• Engaging communities in the arts – MALTA
• How to empower participants through visual storytelling and documentation – PORTUGAL
• European cultural policy and the socially engaged arts – SWEDEN
• Developing positive partnerships in socially engaged arts – UNITED KINGDOM

Teaching methods

This course is offered as a massive open online course (MOOC). It is based on the European Commission-funded research project ‘Acting on the Margins: Arts as Social Sculpture’ (AMASS, 2020–2023). The MOOC provides an overview of socially engaged arts (SEA). Participants will become familiar with SEA practices and gain an understanding of arts-based processes and practical work, as well as their possible application in different contexts and organisations. The course combines SEA, people-centred design, application of arts-based methods, expert videos and practical exercises.

This course presents diverse methodologies for mitigating societal challenges through arts-based initiatives. Readings, photos and video lectures based on projects from eight European countries will introduce participants to the strategies and approaches of SEA practices. The course will briefly examine the principles of engaging communities in the arts and the effect of the arts on well-being. The content covers the basic principles of design-driven participatory processes for social innovation in arts-based initiatives, visual storytelling and assessment of arts projects. To join the course, please visit: https://www.amassmooc.com

Student workload

Independent work 108 h (the course is 4 credits)

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail
The performance is very incomplete or incorrect, or contains significant misunderstandings.

Passable and satisfactory (1-2)
Performance is narrow, superficial, or poorly matched to assignment. The performance is limited to listing things in isolation, or dealing with things unilaterally. Execution may contain errors or ambiguities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good and commendable (3-4)

Performance corresponds to assignment, demonstrates understanding and the ability to analyze and justify. The whole picture has been formed, but there may be shortcomings.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5)

The performance outlines a broad entity and the knowledge can be applied multidimensionally or placed in different contexts. Performance demonstrates independent grip and insight. Performance is an intact entity that includes justified self-thinking or critical reflection. The answer is well written or implemented.

Further information

Upon completion of this course, participants will understand, be familiar with and recognise the diverse methodologies of SEA. Participants will also gain knowledge of the principles, ethics and concepts of community arts. They will explore SEA, the dialogical and pedagogical orientations of SEA in engaging with marginalised communities. The course’s overarching goal is to empower artists, art and design students, cultural practitioners and workers, art educators and policymakers to implement innovative yet appropriate projects with marginalised communities by using arts and design approaches.