Project Summary
Art EQUAL...

Art EQUAL is a strategic partnership sponsored by the Erasmus Plus programme based on a shared need for qualified methods to integrate art and culture in early childhood education and care. In practice and theory we find great examples of how artistic and cultural activities have supported children’s ability to learn, develop personal attitudes and values and build relationships with the world around them.

Therefore, we have an important responsibility to ensure that art and culture is present in all children’s lives from the very beginning.

The Art EQUAL partners have researched their national educational priorities for integrating art and culture in childhood education and care. Although it is clear that all children should have access to such activities, there is still a lack of good quality services and resources.

COLLABORATIONS WITH ARTISTS AND CULTURAL WORKERS

Experiences demonstrate the benefits of building partnerships between childcare services and professionals in the art and cultural sector. Such collaborations open up to a new understanding of working with art and culture as a part of pedagogical practice. It gives childcare workers, pedagogues and teachers the opportunity to document, examine and reflect upon their practice from new perspectives. They learn how to experiment and become conversant with artistic disciplines and materials. They find new ways to communicate culture and use cultural experiences in their daily practice.

A SUPPORTING RESOURCE

This resource is based on the ART EQUAL partner’s shared practical experiences and research in children’s meetings with art and culture. It is directed at other professionals working in this field who are interested in exploring how collaborations with professional artists and cultural workers can bring new dimensions into the pedagogical practice.

Project Partners

Kulturprinsen, DK:

Kulturprinsen is a project development centre devoted to arts and cultural participation among children and young people. Through partnerships, networks and collaborations at national and international level, Kulturprinsen works to ensure art and culture is an integrated part of all children’s everyday lives.

Reykjavík School of Visual Arts, IS

The Reykjavík School of Visual Arts is a non-profit organisation, operated by artists and designers. An annual service contract is signed with the Reykjavík City´s Department of Education and Youth, providing for extracurricular professional art education for pupils from preschool to lower secondary school age.

Örnsköldsvik Kulturskola, SE

Örnsköldsviks Kulturskola is a locally based cultural school with the aim of educating children and youth in different artistic expressions. The school provides training and education in visual arts, dance, film, drama and theatre and develops collaboration projects with local, national and international partners.

Tris Krasas, LV

The Art Education Centre TRĪS KRĀSAS is a non-governmental organisation, founded in 2000. The key objective of the centre is promotion of art education processes in Latvia.

Bergen Kulturskole, NO

Bergen kulturskole offers education and provides activities in the disciplines of music, dance, theatre, film, visual art and design. A special focus of Bergen Kulturskole is to integrate art disciplines in schools (SFO) for 7-9 year old children based on collaborations between artists and pedagogical staff. This project is called Kulturkarusell.

Elderberry AB, SE

Elderberry AB undertakes curriculum development and strategic studies, authoring, testing, editing and publishing within school, youth, adult, teacher Cultural and VET education, often with socio-cultural and urban implications. The company is experienced with traditional methods for educational material as with eLearning and eCulture. Elderberry also has vast experience as a partner and coordinator of EU projects.

Project Summary
Art EQUAL...