Description
According to the European Research for the phenomenon of school bullying (2012), over approx., 32% out of 4.987 Greek pupils, stated that have either witnessed or were victims of acts of racism and bullying, Thus, it is essential for Children of Greek Children’s Art to educate children, as citizens to be, the values of understanding, diversity, tolerance and respect, in order to eliminate such acts of racism and bullying. The aim of the specific project is to contribute in eliminating racism and violence and to the development of future active citizens, able to defend their right to diversity. This will be achieved through many activities for pre-school children and pupils of all grades of primary school, such as: creating artworks during the Museum's art workshops, exhibition of children's artwork and creation of an interactive section in the Museum, educational programs based on the artwork presented in the exhibition, creation of a Museum kit focusing on ' Diversity and Racism', on loan in schools and institutions in the wider area of the country, and art workshops addressed to primary class children attending the Hatzikyriakio Child Care Institution and to people with special needs from the Cerebral Palsy Society in Greece.
Summary of project results
In the last few years more and more frequently we come up with incidents of violence; and by that we don’t only refer to physical violence, but also psychological and verbal abuse. Racist phenomena have penetrated all aspects of our society and even the educational community. The way we confront diversity raises issues that need to be addressed and thus enhances the necessity to inform, which will eventually help to be released of prejudice and intolerance. The Museum of Greek Children’s Art has approached the topic, through visual art, through children’s paintings and 3-dimensional objects, by designing and implementing educational and artistic activities, under the title “Diversity & Racism”. Children, sew the seed of concern, expressed their aspects and posed questions and dilemmas so that each one of us wonders about their own attitude regarding the issue and, why not, even reconsider. A large number of children, starting from preschool to 6th Grade, heard, learned, processed, comprehended meanings such as diversity and racism. During the said project: a) art workshops by groups of children who attend the 8 month art workshops at the Museum in order to create artworks on diversity and racism, b) an exhibition titled “Alone or unique? Diversity and racism” presenting children’s artworks c) educational programmes for school groups, preschool to 6th Grade, based on the exhibition “Alone or unique? diversity and racism”, d) 5 mobile Museum –kits, titled “The diversity through art” in order to be loaned at schools in the province, e) art workshops for people with special needs, in cooperation with the Cerebral Palsy Greece and the Association “To Petagma” at the Museum, f) art workshops in cooperation with the Hatzikyriakeio Foundation (Foundation for children’s protection) at the Foundation’s premises, g) educational art programmes for families at the exhibition, k) one day seminar and workshop for teachers. During the implementation of the activities: 1)3.572 children & 165 teachers attended the educational programmes, 2) 48 schools borrowed the Museum-kit and 960 pupils utilized its content, 3) 32 educators attended an educational seminar 4) 965 Greek and foreigners visited the exhibition, 5) 476 adults and children took part in the art programs (weekends & Open events), 6)54 children from vulnerable groups & people with special needs participated in art workshops that took place either at the Museum’s premises or their own premises.
Summary of bilateral results