Small creators, big ideas: art project at Agoraschool
Published at
In recent weeks, the children of Agoraschool have used their imagination and creativity to think about their future school building in Merwede and the surrounding environment. Together with the artist-in-residence, they explored the connection between indoors and outdoors, giving shape to the spiritual world, an essential part of Agora education. The voices of these young children are important in this art project. Their ideas and stories will be incorporated into the design requirements for the artwork that will feature in their new school.
What did we do?
During four engaging workshops, we explored together what the future school could look like. We asked questions/challenges such as:
- What are the special places in the school?
- How do you feel connected to nature, the building, and its history?
- What “tools” or ideas do you need to understand and improve this world?
The children dreamed big, thought freely, and came up with unique proposals. We created a large floor plan of the school. The children drew special places, such as spots where they feel safe or experience magic. Stuffed animals were brought in and took center stage in stories.
“This is my secret spot,” said Madou as she drew a bridge. “It takes me from a sad place to a happy place.”
During a walk to the park, we marked the “new school” using ropes and stakes. The children placed personal objects and created stories about their chosen locations. Ideas emerged, such as a climbing room, a music room, and a magical bridge leading from here to there.
“In my school, there’s a forest with magical air,” said Aya. “You can fly for a bit, or meet a unicorn. Everything is possible!”
The final workshop focused on designing with clay and making drawings to bring their ideas to life. And what extraordinary ideas came to light! A snack bridge full of treats, a cuddle corner that feels like a warm embrace, a magical forest with purple leaves where anything is possible, and a rainbow pouf that gives you strength the moment you sit on it.
Art through the eyes of children
These workshops demonstrated how valuable the voices of children are in the artistic process. They think freely and openly, combining personal stories with grand ideas. Their creations show what matters to them: spaces to relax, connect, and dream about the future. The children’s input will be used to create a commission for an artist, who will ultimately design an artwork for the new school. This artwork will not only be beautiful but, most importantly, a place where the children feel at home — a safe, creative, and inspiring space, shaped by the children themselves.
