Sandra Trienekens

Wicked Children’s Museum labs

Sandra Trienekens – Urban Paradoxes Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands

With Emiel Heijnen – Amsterdam University of the Arts, Netherlands

Abstract:

This research project investigates the impact of the ELJA Children’s Museum Lab, a three-year pilot program at the Amsterdam Museum (Netherlands), on children’s social-emotional development and understanding of art-making. The program uses the ‘Wicked arts education’ methodology, which is rooted in authentic art education and Universal Design for Learning principles. The program aims to engage children aged 9-12 in co-creating a future children’s museum through site specific art creation with contemporary artists. As such, we want to explore how the traditional image children have of art and museums can be challenged through real life arts educational experiences. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, collecting data from children, parents, artists, museum educators, and partners through surveys, focus groups, audio reflections, and observations. Preliminary findings suggest that the program enhances children’s understanding of art, artists, and creative processes. Children reported gaining insights into the artistic process and feeling like “real artists”. While children’s perceptions of museum visits were mixed, the program did shift perceptions for some, particularly those who had not previously visited the museum. Further, the program appears to foster a more inclusive understanding of art, with children recognizing multiple perspectives and approaches to artmaking. The study also explored the alignment between the program’s co-creation approach and its impact. Children generally agreed with statements reflecting the four core elements of co-creation: equality, reciprocity, empowerment, and belonging. However, we identified a potential tension between the artists’ encouragement of independent work and the reciprocity aspect of co-creation. Overall, we suggest several recommendations to enhance the program’s impact, including strengthening the thematic connections across all program components, engaging artists who embody the chosen themes, and providing additional support for artists, particularly as group sizes grow.