ENCOURAGING CREATIVITY IN CHILDREN

The experience of Action Art’s ESC volunteers

by Friederike Schulz

In today’s digital age, children are bombarded with stimulation from screens and social media, leaving little room for imagination to flourish. Kids now are always overstimulated, kind of hypnotized by a screen. As society leans towards digitalization, the art of creation risks being overshadowed by instant gratification and passive consumption.

Encouraging children to engage in hands-on activities not only stimulates their creativity but also cultivates essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-expression. In a world that values rationality and logic, nurturing creativity becomes paramount in shaping well-rounded individuals who can navigate complexities with innovation and ingenuity.

It’s disheartening to observe that many schools seem to prioritize conformity over creativity and individuality. With immense pressure to meet standardized testing requirements, there’s often a narrowed focus on rote memorization and standardized curriculum delivery methods, leaving little room for nurturing the unique talents and interests of each child.

“It’s nice, you have the feeling that you give the kids something.”

A local view, Project Action Art: Young Minds in Thessaloniki

In Thessaloniki, near a children’s library on Filikis Etetrias Street, lies the office of Action Art, a project dedicated to igniting the sparks of imagination in young minds. Today, I met two of the project’s dedicated French volunteers, Ambre and Anais, who have been here for the last five months. Their workspace is a light-filled apartment where they are currently planning their next workshop. When asked to describe their work in three words, they answered clearly: creativity, passion, exchange.

As we delve into their experiences of working with children, Anais shares a heartwarming moment when a child rushed to hug her in greeting. Another cherished memory they have is receiving a drawing from a child the day after a particularly engaging workshop, a reminder of the impact they have on young lives. What else drives and motivates these volunteers? Ambre reflects, “It’s nice, you have the feeling that you give the kids something.” This sense of fulfillment, of enriching lives through art, fuels their dedication.

Working with children, however, comes with its challenges. Anais acknowledges that the language barrier can sometimes be a problem. There is also a wide age gap between children, which is sometimes quite difficult to manage, but most of the children are very willing to participate. Yet, she observes that the most introverted children often surprise her with their creativity, using art as a medium to express thoughts and emotions.

Action Art is collaborating with the local library and four different workshop places. Their mission and workshops are a crusade to reclaim the lost magic of childhood imagination. By providing a space for young minds to explore, experiment, and create, they sow the seeds of a more vibrant and imaginative future.

The importance of art in children’s lives cannot be overlooked. Art nurtures creativity, emotional intelligence, and cognitive development, laying the foundation for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. As our society becomes more rational and non-artistic, the need to preserve and prioritize art in children’s education and upbringing becomes more urgent than ever. It is incumbent upon parents, educators, policymakers, and society as a whole to recognize the value of art and ensure that every child has access to meaningful artistic experiences that enrich their lives and shape their futures. Only by embracing and celebrating the arts can we cultivate a generation of innovative thinkers, empathetic individuals, and well-rounded human beings capable of navigating the challenges of the 21st century.