Rolf Laven
- Czech Section of INSEA
- May 4
- 5 min read
Updated: May 5
Art and Engagement – Shaping Expanded Territories
Abstract:
In a time marked by cultural shifts, digital acceleration, and growing societal divides, art education must redefine its role as a transformative force. If and how can art education inspire social change, drive engagement and transformation across education and society?
In this keynote, Rolf Laven explores how artistic engagement, deeply rooted in pedagogical history and contemporary practice, can open up "unexpected territories" — spaces of creativity, resistance, and renewal. The power of creative freedom, craftsmanship, and interdisciplinary innovation will be explored and highlighted.
Reflecting on the groundbreaking contributions of Franz Čížek and his democratic vision of youth art, Laven revisits the roots of modern art education. Cited by Herbert Read as the “Father of Art Education,” Čížek’s emphasis on freedom of expression, creative autonomy, and empowerment remains strikingly relevant today. These ideals live on in the mission and the spirit of InSEA, and in national associations like the BÖKWE (Austria`s Art & Design Education Association), which Laven for 10 years chairs.
The keynote traces connections between art and craft education, STE[A+]M approaches, and interdisciplinary research, highlighting how hands-on creation and artistic thinking foster critical reflection, social responsibility, and sustainable innovation. With examples from European research projects and cross-institutional teaching, Laven argues for a redefinition of art education as an active, socially engaged, and future-oriented field.
By integrating heritage, pedagogy, and innovation, this talk challenges us to see art education not only as cultural practice but as civic action. It is a call to educators, artists, and researchers to embrace complexity and creativity in shaping inclusive, responsive, and transformative educational futures.
Advocacy and Networking Board of InSEA: Amplifying Voices: Shaping InSEA Membership for Greater Impact (Panel)
Chair: Susan Coles – Vice-President of InSEA, UK
Amanda Alexander – Miami University of Ohio, USA
Patsey Bodkin – School of Education, NCAD, Dublin, Ireland
Timothy Dacanay – De la Salle College of Saint Benilde, School of Arts, Culture and Performance, Manila, Philippines
Rolf Laven – University College of Teacher Education, Vienna, Austria
Angela Reid – AME World Councillor InSEA / Kingdom Schools, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abstract:
This panel invites InSEA members to actively participate in a dynamic discussion about their aspirations, needs, and expectations from their membership. Organised by the Advocacy and Networking group, the session provides a unique opportunity for members to voice their ideas and experiences directly with those who advocate for their interests. InSEA is committed to fostering a global network that supports art educators, practitioners, and researchers; this panel seeks to strengthen that commitment by listening closely to what members want and need to thrive in their professional and creative endeavors. During this interactive session, members will be encouraged to share their views on essential aspects of their InSEA experience, from professional development opportunities and advocacy priorities to networking support and resource availability. We’ll also explore potential initiatives the panel could pursue to address these needs, bridging communication between members and organisational leadership to promote a responsive, impactful community. Attendees will leave knowing that their voices have been heard and valued. The insights gathered from this session will help shape future offerings, reinforcing InSEA’s dedication to a vibrant, inclusive membership experience that aligns with members’ evolving professional contexts and ambitions. This panel is an invitation to contribute to the ongoing development of InSEA. Join us as we work together to build a more supportive, responsive, and globally connected organisation for all who value the transformative power of art education.
Propositions for Museum Education: International Art Educators in Conversation (Panel)
Chair: Patricia Osler – The Convergence Initiative – Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Lilly Blue – Art Gallery of Western Australia Perth Cultural Centre, Australia
Sue Girak – City Beach Primary School, WA, Australia
Anniina Koivurova – University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland
Tatiana Kravtsov – University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland
Rolf Laven – University College of Teacher Education, Vienna, Austria
Anita Sinner – The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Lisbet Skregelid – University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway – virtual
Anniina Suominen – Aalto university, School of Art, Design and Architecture, Finland
Susana Vargas-Mejía – Bogota Museum of Modern Art / Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
Abstract:
This panel discussion explores how international art educators are engaging with new approaches to museum education in response to 21st century challenges. Panellists discuss how and why museums are shifting, evolving as sites that mediate different and multiple knowledges for the future. Who is a learner? What is a museum? Whose art is missing? Within the shifting discourse, authors of this edited collection investigate museum futures as contiguous educational sites that contribute to inclusivity, equity and diversity, and embrace dynamic innovations for teaching and learning. We open the conversation in an ‘artful exchange’ across global, local and glocal contexts, reconceptualizing museums to consider accessibility, differences in lived experiences, and how both situated and virtual practices create impactful change. With an overarching concept of relationality between art museums and interdisciplinary perspectives, museums as informal learning sites offer the communities they serve unexpected territories for meaningful experiential and educational exchange through practice-based projects. As catalysts for public scholarship, the propositions for museum education in this collection reflect living futures in relation to practice, weaving the learning potential of interacting with artworks more fully within international and localized communities to present a distinct socio-cultural discourse that is at the heart of teaching and learning.
Prof. Dr. Rolf LavenART: Artist – Researcher – Teacher
Rolf Laven is artist, educator, and international project leader whose work integrates sculpture, socially engaged art, and educational innovation. As Full Professor of Art and Design, he works in Vienna at the University College of Teacher Education and lectures at Academy of Fine Arts, University of Applied Arts, and University of Technology.
Trained in sculpture in Maastricht/NL and Vienna/A, Laven earned his PhD with a dissertation on Franz Čížek and the Viennese Juvenile Art Class.
His academic and artistic practice focuses on participatory methods, community-based learning, and socially engaged aesthetics. Over the past decade, Laven joined numerous EU-funded interdisciplinary projects—including SLIDE, SLUSIK, SOUNDWORDS, ACIIS, ART_ECO, CIVENHANCE, EDULANDS, and Cultural Collisions—that explore intersections between art, digital empowerment, sustainability, and inclusive education. His work actively promotes STE[A+]M doctoral collaboration and supports learning opportunities in communities.
In 2024, he was awarded the Edwin Ziegfeld Award at the NAEE/USSEA Congress in Minneapolis, honoring his exceptional international contributions to art education. He currently serves as InSEA World Councillor (Europe), where he helps shape global dialogue on art, pedagogy, and social change.
Laven’s artistic activism and pedagogy are deeply interconnected, as reflected in projects realized in public spaces, artistic collaboration, and intercultural initiatives. His sculptural, installative, and community-based works explore identity, cultural dialogue, resilience, and socio-ecological consciousness. Through teaching, artistic research, and transdisciplinary collaboration, he continues to advance contemporary art education with a strong commitment to service-learning engagement, equity, and innovation.