MODULE 3
Visual arts methods
Guidelines and examples of activities using visual arts methods
Using different visual arts methods requires some preparation, especially when using the method for the very first time, but as we already mentioned in this module, the visual arts methods we propose are to be used in a non artistic way, which means you don’t have to be an expert to use them, as guiding the process is more important than the final result. Of course, if you would like to use photography/videography or stop motion, a bit of technical knowledge is necessary, but for those activities we have provided clear instructions that would help even the beginners to learn easily the settings and implement the activity with the target group.
When applying visual arts methods in non-formal education, especially with a focus on social inclusion, emotional expression and community engagement, you should have in mind some specific guidelines that would help you reach the educational goals of the activity and create a safe and inclusive space, where everyone feels welcomed.
Guidelines for effective facilitation
1.
Adapt the activity to your own needs and context and keep it open at the same time
We recommend adapting the activities to your groups needs, as well as context and educational goals, but always keep the structure open and flexible for adjustments during the activity based on the group dynamics and how the group interacts with the methods. Participants may need more time, fewer steps, or the possibility to reinterpret the task. Adapting the activity can also mean changing the level of complexity, adjusting the focus, or allowing different outcomes to coexist. Flexibility helps ensure that the activity responds to the group rather than the group being forced to follow a fixed method.
2.
Leaving space for experimentation
When facilitating visual arts activities in a non-formal context, the final product is not the main focus and your role as a facilitator is to guide the participants in the process. Avoid correcting, adjusting, or influencing what participants create, even when the result seems unfinished or unexpected. Instead, listen to the participants, observe how they work, and support them in engaging with the process in their own way. This approach allows young people to take ownership of their artistic expression and feel free to explore without fear of doing something “wrong.”
3.
Provide Accessible and Affordable Materials
Choose materials that are accessible, low‑cost, and easy to find. Common items such as paper, cardboard, magazines, recycled materials, basic drawing tools, simple paints, clay, or natural objects are more than enough to support meaningful creative processes. Using familiar and everyday materials helps remove pressure related to “artistic quality” and encourages participants to experiment freely. It also makes activities easier to repeat in different contexts and reinforces the idea that creativity does not depend on specialised tools or resources.
4.
Using a participatory approach
Young people are actively involved in shaping both the process and the outcome of the activity. The participants are invited to contribute ideas, make decisions, and influence how the artwork develops. This can include choosing themes, materials, formats, ways of working together, or how the final works are displayed or shared. Your role is to encourage dialogue, support collaboration, and create situations where collective decision‑making can take place.
5.
Planning an opening and a clear closure for the activity
A clear opening of the activity, helps the participants arrive at the space and activity mentally and emotionally, not just physically. Start with a short grounding and check-in activity where you give the participants the chance to get into the process.
At the same time, a clear closing of the activity is as important, as it allows participants to step out of the activity, reflect on the process, and give meaning to what they created. A closure can include observing the artworks, sharing reflections, choosing a title, or simply acknowledging the collective experience.
Visual arts activities
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).
