Can you describe your graduation project and its main focus? What inspired you to choose this particular subject or theme?
My graduation project researches the role of play in art education. The freedom that I felt while being a student helped me to reconnect with the playful side of myself. Through theoretical and practical research, I tried to find ways to embed playfulness in the art class that I teach at ArtEZ. Together with students I experimented with role-play, storytelling, game-design, sports exercise and theatrical forms of play. What turned out most effective were short playful exercises that allowed a lot of creative freedom. The playfulness of such an exercise ignited creative energy that sustained throughout the rest of the class.
As you approach graduation, what challenges have you encountered in completing your project?
When I started my research I had the assumption that school and play were somewhat opposites. Play was something that often happens outside of school or during the break. I got very excited when I discovered that school and play share foundational aspects that create opportunities for learning. Being aware of this opened up the educational field for many playful opportunities. Approaching graduation, I felt challenged to finish the research. This meant making choices and leaving many interesting things for later.
How has your experience at PZI contributed to your growth?
My experience at PZI had a great influence on my practice as an art & design tutor. Gaining a research mentality in education helped me develop a vision on art education that is experimental and playful by nature. The study made me become more aware of my role in education and I feel empowered to improve education in my department at ArtEZ. The study at MEiA also influenced me as a designer. I started to see opportunities to design for educational purposes and I already implemented playful educational strategies in an exhibition design for Design Museum Den Bosch.
In what ways has your time at PZI prepared you for this final project?
The first year was a preparatory year for the research in the second year. The pleasant study environment that the tutors had created really made our study group flourish. In this way we had a lot of support from each other, and we could really develop ourselves. In the second year the research guidance was more on an individual basis, and I missed the peer-study element. But the graduation supervisors knew how to support and challenge me in every step of the research.
What are your immediate plans after graduation?
After graduation I will spend one year in Latvia, the home country of my partner. I will use this year to figure out what my long-term aspirations are and find new opportunities and contexts. I definitely would like to continue working within art academies as a tutor and become active in the development of education.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your journey or project?
Are you considering studying the Master Education in Arts at PZI? Come to our graduation show on July 5 at Kunstinstituut Melly. Take a look at the projects, talk to some of the graduate students, and see if it’s something for you!
