Monika Huynhová

3.13 Educational Exhibition Point of View in the Centre of Contemporary Art DOX (Prague, CZ) (Paper)

Monika Huynhová – Centre of Contemporary Art DOX, Prague, Czech Republic

Lucie Laitlová – Centre of Contemporary Art DOX, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract:

Since 2014, the DOX Centre has been implementing educational programmes that go beyond contemporary art to include social psychology. In addition to artworks, the programmes use the insights of psychologists and educators such as Philip Zimbardo, Carol Dweck, and many others. Why? Contemporary art reflects the world in the broadest sense. It can also provoke, engage, and play. It bridges art and learning. 

This series of programmes is inspired by the methodology of Professor Philip Zimbardo’s international educational project, the Heroic Imagination Project, which has been systematically researching everyday heroism for years. The aim of the programmes is to inspire pupils to be mindfully active in society, build resilience, practice ordinary heroism, develop their own social and psychological competence, and foster respect for diversity. As part of the programmes, DOX created its own long-term project and exhibition, Point of View, which develops these themes and harnesses the educational potential of contemporary art. The Point of View exhibition is a project that combines the format of an exhibition and a classroom. It is also a space of uncertainty and of new experiences; a space that shows the potential of stereotypes, fear, making mistakes, and changing mindsets. 

The first version of this exhibition opened in March 2023. The second version followed in April 2024 and was focused on the theme of Identity. This topic came from the students themselves. At the moment, DOX is preparing the third version of this exhibition. This paper aims to present the implementation and process of educational programs that explore social and personal development topics through contemporary art. The paper also includes reflections from the participants of the programmes and their educators. Note: This paper is connected with an accompanying workshop titled Educational Programme: Breaking Down Stereotypes.

10.20 Educational Programme Breaking Down Stereotypes (Workshop)

Monika Huynhová – Centre of Contemporary Art DOX, Prague, Czech Republic

Lucie Laitlová – Centre of Contemporary Art DOX, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract:

What are our stereotypes good for? What do they allow us to do, and how do they limit us? What can prejudice do? We live in a time and a society in which hate speech has become a routine part of our lives. It is also a time when our ability to interpret events presented to us by the media is being tested, as well as our ability to sympathize with others. An unprecedented number of people are streaming to Europe to escape military conflicts and poverty. Simultaneously, many individuals face prejudice, ridicule, and even hate-motivated violence due to the colour of their skin, sexual orientation, or simply because they are poor. All this is also occurring due to media manipulation and politicians abusing explosive topics. Let’s attempt to look at how stereotypes work from a completely different perspective and elsewhere, in an area that is of interest to a narrow minority – contemporary art.

Through sophisticated techniques and the use of contemporary art as a tool, we will explore our stereotypes and then subject them to critical reflection in a moderated debate, providing an experience with otherness and different perspectives. This educational programme is one from the series that the Centre for Contemporary Art DOX (Prague, CZ) offers to school groups. It is inspired by the methodology of Professor Philip Zimbardo’s international educational project, the Heroic Imagination Project, which has been systematically researching everyday heroism. The aim of the programmes is to inspire pupils to be mindfully active in society, build resilience, ordinary heroism, develop their own social and psychological competence, and foster respect for diversity. As part of the programmes, DOX created its own long-term project and exhibition, Point of View, which develops these themes and harnesses the educational potential of contemporary art. Note: This workshop is connected with the accompanying paper titled Educational Exhibition Point of View in the Centre of Contemporary Art DOX (Prague, CZ). It is a practical example of one of the educational programmes that DOX implements with school groups.