Children and art shows is often a dreaded combination, much like children and aeroplanes. However, unlike aeroplanes, art shows have evolved to include children with innovative ways to engage them with hands-on play and interactive installations. If utilised properly, a day out with children at an art show can be as exciting for them as a day at an amusement park, and much more enriching.
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A New Approach To Learning
Art shows and museums offer avenues for alternative teaching and learning methods that may be out of the scope of schools and classrooms. Most art shows include innovative ways of engaging visitors, including experiential exhibits. Having the reins of one’s learning in one’s own hands can be a revelatory experience. Artworks that inspire questions and instigate children to explore the possibilities of an answer could transform their learning experience altogether. Much like the acquisition of language, enriching input from one’s surroundings is very important for imagination and analytical thinking. Children who are exposed to diverse, creative inputs will have a higher motivation to explore creative fields and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Empowers Children To Have Their Own Voice
In the current educational scenario, children have very few spaces to express themselves. In fact, children are often actively discouraged from having strong feelings about the people and events around them. Art shows can help fix the damage caused by the flaws in the current system by portraying the power of self-expression. In turn, it also teaches children the beauty of witnessing diverse perspectives, which is an important aspect of growing up as responsible, inclusive citizens.
Nourish Emotional Intelligence
Art is a powerful medium that conveys strong emotions. The finest pieces of art are those which portray and inspire strong emotional responses in the beholder. Children might not grasp the complex emotional underpinnings of artwork right then, but our childhood memories stay with us. Much like the nursery rhymes and stories that continue to enrich our emotional, empathetic side, artworks that inspire emotions, however incorrigible, will have an impact later on in life. Additionally, artworks can be excellent examples of channelling one’s angst and conflicts productively.
Art As A Medium Of Communication Between Parents And Their Children
One of the concerns often shared by parents in bringing their children to art shows is that children tend to have an unending list of questions and curiosities. This can be exhausting. However, if the children can be engaged in conversations about the artworks around them, this can be an efficient way of getting to know each other. Talking about their favourite art pieces and least favourite art pieces can be a refreshing experience. And a day well spent at a UK Art Fair, understanding UK Contemporary Art.