Participation at the museum
Happenings and Workshops
Playdough in the Museum
A format for and with visitors
Art is a need – Imitation as participation
“Playdoughing in the Museum” is a participatory format. I offer happenings and workshops for groups of adults, people with disabilities, and children. The museum exhibits are interpreted in clay. The results are always enchanting, the reactions always overwhelmingly positive – plastilin has therapeutic qualities, in short: playdoughing makes you happy!
I feel so relaxed and calm, I consider doing this more often
Images
special thanx to Aida Šarac Berbić, for her great organization of the workshops and translation work and creative contribution. The Picture Gallery in Bosnia and Herzegovona is an inclusive museum and regularly offers activities for and with the people.
Picture credits: @Victor Neubert
Concept
Art is a need – this is a participatory approach in which imitation serves as a means of participation. The format not only consumes art, but makes it accessible to everyone through imitation, appropriation, and personal creation – in the museum or public space. This approach promotes self-efficacy and inclusion, transforming museums into places of making things – workshops.
Art comes from making things – this credo shifts the focus from the elitist idea of ”craftsmanship” to active participation for everyone, regardless of ability. (Doing is like wanting, but better.)
Therapeutic effect – Creative work and imitation in an artistic context; creating something with your hands brings happiness.
Inclusion and participation – Through creative expression and the opportunity for imitation, participation in art is made possible for various social groups.
Cultural education – My format emphasizes the approach of a “culture by all, with all,” which promotes self-education in the arts. ‘Cultural participation’ means a socially inclusive cultural life shaped by many, and this is also reflected in my artistic approach, which blends high art with folk art.
