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Resources and Programs
Another pull-‐out resource in the Art Gallery Handbook is Tate Modern’s Ways in
Wheel outlines a four-‐stage process to analyzing an artwork that includes; ‘a
personal approach’, ‘ways in to the object’, ‘ways in to the subject’, ‘ways in to the
context’.1 This framework is similar to the traditional process of critically analysing an
artwork through description, analysis, interpretation and judgment. However it also
includes elements of Ossian Ward’s theory for unpacking artworks represented as
the acronym TABULA; T is for time, A is for association, B for background, U is for
understanding, L is for look again and A is for assessment.2 The Ways in Wheel
provides further scaffolding that helps students access artworks by intense looking
at each stage.
This first stage of analysis requires students adopt the ‘personal approach’ and it
encourages students to consider their own varied experiences. These questions may
include ‘what does it remind you of?’ or ‘what are your first reactions to the work?’.3
For example, while Stack, 1975 (Fig. 6) by Tony Cragg challenges the students’
perception of what art is, the familiarity of the materials provides a way in for
students to connect with the work. This initial type of questioning is effective in
providing a safe learning environment where the notion of not knowing is
welcomed, identified earlier as ‘disruptions’. This time spent viewing an artwork, at
1 Charman, H. The Art Gallery Handbook: A Resource for Teachers, Tate Publishing, London, 2006, p. 53 2 Ward. O. Ways of Looking: How to Experience Contemporary Art, Lawrence King Publishing, London, 2014, p. 12-‐19 3 Ibid. p. 63
2
each stage, is an experience that cannot be replicated in a classroom. Instead, by
visiting primary sources in galleries and museums students can practise the skill of
looking.
Figure 6 Tony Cragg, Stack, wood, concrete, brick, metal, plastic, textile, cardboard and paper, unconfirmed 2000 x2000 x 2000mm, image sourced from Tate Modern, London, 1975
The second suggested questioning strategy focuses on materials and processes. For
example students may consider the scale of the work by making comparisons to
their own physicality, as well as identifying any materials they have personal
associations with. The use of human-‐made objects in Stack encourages students to
connect with the work by recognizing items such as wooden posts and cement
blocks they have seen elsewhere, while reinforcing that analyzing an artwork is not
as foreign as it first appeared. This inclusion of spatial awareness links to Howard
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory. The learning style considered here is the
visual-‐spatial and provides students with an opportunity to become aware of their
environment and the physical space around them. In combining a physical sensory
3
focus to the gallery environment, reaffirms that the senses are vital tools in helping
an individual make meaning of an artwork.4 This approach to observation provides a
structured base from which students can harness their visual literacy skills, and it
allows time for them to consider, reconsider and, most importantly, have time to
think.
The third approach in analysing the artwork is ‘ways in to the object’, which is a
background and understanding exercise, parallel to Ward’s method of looking at art,
TABULA, specifically: Association, Background and Understanding. Again, this step in
reading a visual object or image promotes personal relevance. At this point the
facilitator may provide students with some context and he or she may follow this
with a personal question such as: ‘how does the work engage you?’ This type of
questioning reinforces that the role of the viewer, in this case the student, is vital in
making meaning. Students might consider what their expectations were prior to the
gallery visit. This encourages inclusivity before asking students more challenging
questions such as ‘how does ‘Stack’ relates to other artworks’ and ‘if they could make
any changes to the display what they would be?’ Rather than merely expecting
students to absorb content, they are asked to make connections to the subject and
materials, as well as thinking creatively by suggesting possible modifications, and
justifying why. This scaffolding helps students reach an understanding not yet
realized through only looking. Through reflecting on process of construction and
4 Gardner, H, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Basic Books, New York, 2004, p.117
4
generating ideas, key attributes of critical thinking are being developed in the
students.
The final overlapping question in the Ways in Wheel aims to examine artworks in the
context of other disciplines including politics, social history, science and visual
culture as a whole.5 While Tate Modern acknowledges that the artist’s intention is
important, they highlight that it can limit the way in for the student. Instead, asking
students to make links to other fields encourages a student to relate this work to
their wider world. Learning resources such as the Art Gallery Handbook ensure that
the responsibility of teaching students does not fall exclusively on the teacher or the
institution. Rather, it highlights that by teachers working in partnership with the
museum, the broader educational aims of developing thinking skills amongst a
young audience can be achieved. Through the development of this resource, the
Tate Modern illustrates an authentic understanding of the need for structured
learning between visitor and facilitator, which in turn complements the educational
outcomes of government-‐based curricula. This suggests that the Tate Modern is at
the forefront for facilitating effective learning programs that foster globally-‐minded
citizens who are visually literate. In turn, by weaving these ideals into the teaching
practices within an art museum and exposing students to new and varied
information continuously, curiosity becomes the catalyst for engagement with the
arts.
5 Charman, H. p. 15
5
In addition to the Art Gallery Handbook other resources are available online which
cater for the more infrequent of school visitors. The online resource entitled Value of
Art6 http://www.tate.org.uk/learn hones in on specific artworks from the collection
and offers suggestions for discussion-‐based activities in the gallery. Only brief
contextual knowledge is provided. Rather, importance is placed on the ownership of
learning, building confidence, curiosity and encouraging imaginative use of the space
by teachers and students. An example of this is the Value of Art: Cornelia Parker
Cold Dark Matter gallery activity (Fig. 7).
Figure 7 Cornelia Parker, Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View, mixed media, 4000 x 5000 x 5000mm, Tate Modern, London, 1991
6 Value of Art: Corelia Parker Cold Dark Matter, http://www.tate.org.uk/learn/online-‐resources/value-‐art-‐cornelia-‐parker-‐cold-‐dark-‐matter-‐gallery-‐activity (accessed on 5th May 2015)
6
Teachers are encouraged to lead and participate in discussion with students in small
groups with consideration of the atmosphere Cold Dark Matter creates within the
space. This collaboration ensures that the learner and facilitator look, discover and
discuss together which, as Burnham suggests, enhances engagement long-‐term.7
Further learning opportunities encourage students to locate different sculptural
pieces within the gallery and connect this to Parker’s installation. These may include
artworks that use everyday materials, so that they can then compare and contrast
their observations. For example, students could examine artwork by Kurt Schwitters
in which he uses discarded rubbish to create his collage images. The emphasis on
further questioning, instead of providing answers is, as Norris suggests, better at
cultivating curiosity. This format provides students with a way in to the artwork,
which may also be extended through open-‐ended practical application. These types
of activities provide learners with the tools and strategies for exploration and
discovery.8
The object in-‐situ anchors the students in place, allowing the facilitator to establish
the right learning conditions that cultivate thinking habits. David Perkins describes
this as sensory anchoring, where students have a physical object to focus on as they
talk and learn.9 The Value of Art activity mirrors Perkins’ mode of teaching deep
7 Burnham, R and Kai-‐Kee, E. Teaching in the Art Museum, The J Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, 2011, p. 11 8 Norris, L. & Tisdale, R. Creativity in Museum Practice. Walnut Creek, California, USA, Left Coast Press, 2013, p. 187 9 Perkins, D. 1995,The Intelligent Eye: learning to think by looking at art, Getty Centre for the Arts, California, p. 5
7
observation, and thus fostering creative thinkers. Hence, students are required to
‘look’ as a means of preparation. This will include approaching the object from the
‘personal framework’ in which students identify what the object reminds them of. At
the incubation stage, students may close their eyes to allow for the other senses to
read the work.10 As Parker’s installation is made from charred debris, the students’
sense of smell may be activated causing them to make personal associations. This
approach is framed with the student at the centre of the experience and encourages
active participation, which as Perkins suggests will vastly enrich people’s experience
and understanding of art.11
Upon returning to school, further follow-‐up activities are provided, reinforcing
engagement with the gallery. One suggested activity involves students making their
own installations using recycled materials, which connects to Parker’s work. If
facilitated authentically by the teacher, this practical activity can also provide an
opportunity for discussion about sustainability, and this then links to other subject
areas such as Science or Geography. The possibilities are endless and this is merely
one example of how, by looking intensely, thinking, questioning, and enquiring,
critical and creative thinking can be enriched. Furthermore, the collaboration
between teachers and museum educators ensures that the visit to the gallery is a
meaningful and enjoyable one for young people, and one which will encourage them
to revisit with their families or friends and to continue learning.12
10 Ibid. p. 192 11 Ibid. p. 5 12 Black, B. p. 113
8
Interactive and Community Engagement
The 2013/2014 Tate Report highlights an emphasis on providing young people the
opportunity to learn through and about art, and how their learning programs
complement the British National Curriculum. As Tate Modern already had renewed
their learning programs specifically for schools and young children, in attempting to
reach young people aged 12-‐17 years they implemented yet another program
Circuit, a national youth network for the visual arts. Using the Tate Modern
collection young people devise events to encourage other young people to engage
across multiple disciplines. Some of the events on offer to youth outside of school
visits are debates, internships and practical workshops. It is anticipated that this will
redefine cultural activity for young people and connect them with galleries to initiate
change.13
The form of discussion and a generally open atmosphere offered by the Tate Modern
creates a safe learning space where students’ ideas are respected and this helps
adolescents feel connected with the gallery. Consequently, this encourages future
engagement with the arts. An integral part of this, is ensuring learning programs are
enjoyable. A specific example of this is The Tate Collective, which targets young
people aged 15-‐25 to create through art and ideas. These free events include
workshops with artists, talks and live performance. All these activities have links to,
or have been inspired, by artworks in the Tate Modern’s collection, and offer a
13 Findlay, R & Jones, S. TATE Report 2013/2014, Tate Publishing, London, 2014, p. 28
9
variety of activities to suit all learning styles.14 This highlights the gallery’s innovative
approach to encouraging youth engagement, as it promotes independence,
cultivating an interest in the arts.
Conclusion
Tate Modern’s scope and depth of their learning programs is outstanding. The in-‐
depth analysis above of their approach has revealed they are proactive and
reflective toward education as a means of engagement. They acknowledge
environmental conditions that are conducive to learning, and have developed
activities and questioning strategies that allow for connections to be made for all
visitors.
The programs range from singular artwork focused activities such as the Value of Art
where responses are succinct, to a term-‐long unit encompassing many elements of
learning through art theory and practical application. Each activity has been carefully
constructed to ensure that learners are taking away more than simply content. They
are also developing visual literacy skills, which they carry with them beyond the
museum visit. The Tate Modern’s thorough resources tap into a wide pool of
learners, both in the gallery and online. This multi-‐modal approach to learning
encourages ongoing engagement with the arts, as students have the opportunity
either through a school or a solo visit to participate in practical activities, dialogue
and social events. As a result of their varied and accessible learning programs
14 Tate London, Learning at the Tate: Education Resources, ‘Gallery Collectives’ http://www.tate.org.uk/learn/young-‐people/gallery-‐collectives/london (accessed 6 May 2015)
10
participants are better equipped to make inquiries, undertake analysis, consider
alternatives and form reasoned opinions. It is through this exposure to art
collections that students may begin to gain insight into their own identity and
potential.15 This occurs when initial encounters with the gallery are valued, when
they are easily accessible, and how best to appeal to students’ interests and abilities.
It is through these programs that curiosity is ignited, thus empowering students with
the confidence to make sense of their own participation in the world.
15 Jenson, N. p. 117
11
CHAPTER 3
Closing the gap: teaching the teachers Art Gallery of South Australia
Adelaide, Australia
This chapter will investigate the current educational practices at the Art Gallery of
South Australia (AGSA) with comparisons to the Tate Modern learning programs, and
educational theories in visual literacy and critical thinking. It will examine the
programs that aim to engage secondary students by linking school visits to the
Australian Curriculum. It will highlight successful programs that aid the development
of visual literacy, and those which inherently spark curiosity. As the Australian
Curriculum states, ‘the visual arts has a capacity to engage, inspire and enrich the
lives of students, encouraging them to reach their creative and intellectual potential
by igniting informed imagination and innovative thinking’16 Specifically this chapter
will establish how AGSA seeks to engage students, via their teachers, by attending to
their curriculum needs and how, by implementing effective learning programs, the
gallery sharpens their own agenda towards audience development and audience
retention.
The appointment of Nick Mitzevich as director of the Art Gallery of South Australia in
2010 saw the revitalization of learning programs offered to a range of age groups.
These included targeted programs such as the inception of the Studio and START on
16 Australian Curriculum, The Arts http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/the-‐arts/introduction (accessed 10 March 2015)
12
Sundays for young children and families, through to tailored events such as
Departure aimed at urban young professionals. Both initiatives are part of a long-‐
term goal to attract a wider demographic and establish the foundations for ‘lifelong
love of the arts’17, which in turn lead to a sustained engagement with AGSA.
These examples are considerable signposts of the gallery’s revived artistic program,
however a specific focus on secondary school children is exempt from Mitzetvich’s
strategic plan. Rather, a broad statement is included in the gallery’s strategic plan
that encompasses learners of all ages and a need for AGSA to connect with
education sectors. While, at first glance, it seems this demographic has been
overlooked, it is evident that AGSA aims to engage secondary students via a proxy,
the teacher. Consequently, secondary students are catered for through the
development of education resources and by enlisting support from teachers to
ensure learning experiences at the gallery are meaningful and justified. The
approach here is much more specialised than that of Tate Modern, but also flexible,
and it requires mutual collaboration between AGSA and teachers in order to engage
secondary students.
After Mitzevitch’s appointment, which coincided with the release of Australia’s
Curriculum, education packs became more refined with in-‐depth contextual
material, and potential questions linking to interactive activities both in the gallery
17 Mitzevich, N. The Art Gallery of South Australia Strategic Plan (2012-‐2015), South Australia, 2012, p. 12
13
and in the classroom. The first example of this dynamism occurred in 2011 for
Patricia Piccinini’s solo exhibition Once Upon a Time. The education resource
included a PowerPoint for teachers to use during pre or post visit activities in the
classroom, as well as open-‐ended questioning strategies that accommodate the
learning needs of primary and secondary students. This exhibition was highly
engaging as it included The Offering, 2009 (Fig. 8) an artwork that could be physically
touched by the audience.
Figure 8 Patricia Piccinini, The Offering, silicon, fox fur, New Zealand feral possum pelt, 15.0 x20.0 x28.0 cm, courtesy of the artist, image sourced from Once Upon a Time Education Resource, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, 2009
In addition it was the first glimpse of the Studio, a designated space inside the
exhibition where students could respond to Piccinini’s work through their own
drawing or sculpture. Additionally, this notion of ‘Making and Responding’ in the arts
is based on Australia’s Arts Curriculum,18 and it would be the first of many examples
of AGSA embedding aspects of school curriculum into their learning programs. This
18 Australian Curriculum, The Arts, http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/the-‐arts/introduction (accessed 10 March 2015)
14
includes the art curriculum but also other learning areas such as science, with
specific links to Cross Curriculum Priorities and General Capabilities.19 As Hooper-‐
Greenhill highlights, without links to curriculum priorities, it becomes difficult for
teachers to justify a museum visit.20 Additional examples of AGSA’s learning
programs will be examined under Resources and Programs and will they highlight
their ongoing commitment to the process of learning with the intention of increasing
engagement specific to the youth demographic.
Further attempts to engage secondary students are through practical workshops.
Most significant of these is the annual portrait workshop that concludes with a SALA
Exhibition of student work, held in the Radford Auditorium, which is discussed more
fully in the chapter. South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) forums and
Visual Arts career forums are also offered to teachers and students and feature
guest speakers from South Australian Arts organisations. These direct links the art
gallery is initiating with the community encourage secondary students to engage
more deeply, as they make authentic connections between their own arts learning
and its place in the world, including that of future study and employment.
A cohesive overlap is required between the gallery, students, teachers and education
bodies to ensure AGSA is in a strong position to build its secondary school audience
as effectively, as tailored programs designed for younger and older audience
19 See appendix 1 for detailed description of General Capabilities and Cross Curriculum Priorities as outlined by Australia’s National Curriculum. 20 Hooper-‐Greenhill, E. Museums and Education: Purpose, Pedagogy, Performance (Museum Meanings), Routledge, London and New York, 2007, p. 99
15
respectively such as START and Departure. The marketing strategies and learning
programs will be examined in this chapter to understand how AGSA contributes to
the development of a student’s visual literacy, thus igniting curiosity and sustaining
engagement.
Online and Digital Connections
As new forms of media become available, galleries and museums implement these
to communicate with their audience, and AGSA is no exception. As a part of
Mitzevitch’s 2012-‐2015 Strategic Plan, focused and innovative digital marketing was
employed. This digital strategy is aimed at attracting visitors with a different
demographic profile.21 Since this time, the Art Gallery of South Australia, as well as
Mitzevitch himself, have engaged with the three main social media platforms
including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. The regular use of these tools for the
promotion of the gallery and its events occurs at very little cost to the institution.
This form of communication is invaluable in reaching an audience who may not
normally engage with the gallery. However, the use of social media is only effective if
secondary students are aware of AGSA’s existence. It is at this point, that the teacher
plays a vital role in presenting the gallery as place where students may seek
inspiration, or engage socially with family and friends. School visits to the gallery,
therefore, are an ideal place for this to be initiated.
21 Mitzevich, N. 2012, p. 8