Visual arts methods

Visual art tools can be used not only for individual expression but also for teamwork. For instance, working on a mural, sculpture, or group painting, participants must communicate, share ideas, and respect each other’s contributions. This collaborative process encourages teamwork, strengthens decision-making and flexibility, and helps develop problem-solving skills, as participants work together toward a common goal. (OECD, 2013; Bishop, 2012).

Beyond building practical skills, visual art can provoke dialogue about social issues, creating spaces for conversations that might not happen otherwise. The act of creating together allows participants to share experiences and express thoughts, providing insight into each other’s needs, perspectives, and emotions.

In this way, youth work using visual art fosters collaboration and creates opportunities for each member to feel seen and heard with genuine curiosity. This can be a unique and empowering experience, especially for young people with fewer opportunities, helping them develop confidence and a sense of belonging. (OECD, 2013)

When using art tools in youth work, it’s not the quality, aesthetics, or sophistication of the produced artwork that matters, but rather the process of discovery, creation, play and focusing on something other than the everyday hustle. Instead of wanting to create something “valuable”, it encourages young people to explore new skills and ideas through art. (Camnitzer, 2009; Bishop, 2012).

It is important to note that this freedom to explore does not always happen spontaneously. Because the common perception of visual art emphasizes technical skill and aesthetic value, young people can feel frustrated or self-critical. Therefore, the youth worker, educator, or facilitator should purposefully encourage a process-focused approach, guiding participants to value experimentation and personal expression over polished results.

These workshops should focus on creating a space where everyone – regardless of artistic ability or language proficiency – feels welcomed and valued. This approach allows the youth to express themselves freely, which reduces fear of judgment and encourages greater participation. Such activities build participants’ self-confidence as they notice their progress and often feel encouraged by their leaders and also peers.

​​Inclusion means treating everyone fairly and creating a space where diversity is not only accepted but appreciated. Artistic methods open the door to different perspectives and give a voice to those who are often unheard. The visual arts methods support inclusion by allowing participants to explore and communicate their identities, experiences, and emotions in non-verbal ways in a safe and supportive environment. Being non-verbal, visual tools empower those who might struggle with traditional, verbal forms of expression.

They create opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to connect, collaborate, and understand one another, strengthening the sense of community and belonging. Whether through painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, or collage, creating something together, following and listening to each other’s processes and products helps build understanding, empathy and mutual respect between individuals and groups. These all foster a sense of belonging, promote diverse emotions, contribute to inclusive communities and to an environment that meets the needs of all.

According to our “State of Art report”, the research conducted at the beginning of the project with youth workers, social workers and educators, more than 70% of the respondents already use visual arts methods in youth work. They are easy to incorporate in their work to support inclusion since many artistic tools are easily reachable by anyone. We do not need expensive or hardly accessible materials that allow us to explore them at almost any time, from any place. For example, recycled materials like cardboard, plastic bottles, and magazines can be easily repurposed for art projects. Basic supplies such as pencils, markers, crayons, paper, air-drying clay, and colourful advertisement magazines are all budget-friendly options. With our smartphones and free editing apps we can also easily take great photos or videos.

Another great benefit of using visual arts is that workshops and group activities based on them are transferable to different social contexts. These activities help approach social or personal issues depending on the current needs of the youth group we are working with. Art pieces can raise awareness on social issues (such as environmental issues, social inclusion, gender equality, mental health and many more) and serve as bases for social conversations among the participants. Reflective, thought-provoking questions can support these processes, and they allow the youth to connect with others. In such practices it is important to reach out to many community members, stay open and allow for different perspectives to be heard and expressed. (Council of Europe, 2020)