Paint your ideal neighbourhood with cardboard
In this activity the neighbourhood plays as the perfect set for group bonding and strengthening of collective identity. Using paint and cardboard as creative tools, each participant represents his/her house within a common neighbourhood. The result is a collaborative artistic piece that displays the needs of their living environment as well as their desires for it. This activity promotes inclusion, creativity and group cohesion.
THEME
Collectively paint your ideal neighbourhood
COMPLEXITY
Beginner
GROUP SIZE
5- 10
participants
AGE
13+
TIME
60 to 90
minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preparing materials (5 min.)
- Place all materials within reach of participants on the table: cardboard, scissors, paints, palettes, and supports (cardboard or thick paper)
- Making templates (5 min.)
- Cut out shapes or templates from cardboard using scissors
- Preparing the paint (5 min.)
- Arrange the paint on palettes, assigning a space for each colour
- Printing with stencils (10min)
- Load the cardboard stencil with paint by pressing it onto the palette.
- Place the stencil on the backing and press firmly to transfer the colour.
- Repeat the process with a second shape and a different colour
- Lines with the edge of the cardboard (10min)
- Test on a sheet of paper first and then apply to the support to add linear details
- Creative repetition (10min)
- Participants can repeat the procedure, combining shapes and colours to complete their design
- Sharing (10min)
- Each participant shares their work with the group, explaining what they have painted and why
Debriefing and Evaluation:
- How did it feel to paint with the others?
- What does your house and its surroundings represent?
- What problems are there in your neighbourhood?
- What would your ideal neighbourhood be like?
- How did you feel seeing your house next to others’ houses?
Tips for Facilitators:
- Make sure to create a relaxed and non-judgmental atmosphere.
- Encourage everyone to participate without worrying about “getting it right”.
- Reinforce the importance of collective work and mutual respect.
Variations and adjustments:
- Can be made with other recycled materials (sponges, bottles, etc.).
- Adapt the theme: ‘my favourite place’, ‘my ideal school’, etc.
Disclaimer:
- This activity is designed as a non-formal learning tool to promote inclusion, creativity and group cohesion in school or association contexts.
- There is no right or wrong. Some people like to think about what they want to paint, and others are working directly and expressively.
MODULE 1 NEEDS ANALYSIS
Needs analysis activities
MODULE 2 MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
Contact
Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)
iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.
The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).