PILOT PROGRAM AT ORTOPEDAGOGIC CENTER ARUBA
The Pilot Program at OC was an art education project where we developed an artistic module for a group of teenage girls (ages 13 - 18) residents of the Orthopedagogic Center of Aruba (OC). The project aimed to introduce the girls to tools for a better understanding of their background and surroundings through encounters with art.
Research has shown that the introduction of art-based programs encourage healthy social interactions, responsiveness to others, empathy, caring, communication, and problem-solving skills. On an individual level, it also helps promote a healthy sense of identity and self-worth, and a sense of purpose and future.
The Pilot Program at OC took place in June - December 2019 and had three stages: research, development, and implementation of the module.The team for the project consisted of Carmen Romney (programs coordinator at OC), Jenifer Arrindell (group guide at OC), Vivian Croes (group guide at OC), Renata Cervetto (curator and professional in the field of Arts & Education), Osaira Muyale (local visual artist), Glenda Heyliger and (local visual artist) and Ana Maria Hernandez (art historian and founder of Plataforma Aruba).
RESEARCH STAGE
(JUNE 2019)
The first stage of the project consisted of a series of group meetings where we developed the framework for an art education program at the Center. We invited independent curator Renata Cervetto to share insight into the value of arts-education in social programs. During these meetings, team members from the Center and Plataforma Aruba shared their knowledge and experiences in the field of arts education and social work.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE MODULE
(JULY-AUGUST 2019)
The second stage was the collaborative development and planning of the module for the group of girls. Artists Glenda Heyliger and Osaira Muyale helped organize a series of 6 activities around an engaging theme. These activities introduced the girls to visual artistic practices and encouraged them to reflect on their life experiences through an 'artistic lens.'
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MODULE
(SEPTEMBER-AUGUST 2019)
The activities of the module consisted of studio visits, exhibition guided tours, and small reflective exercises that encouraged the development of cognitive skills. The module ended with workshops led by the artists, where the group of girls got to create their own works with different media. These works are now part of our online exhibition LAF/BORING.
PROJECT PARTNER:
