Master Kunsteducatie Zwolle
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September 23, 2020

Graduation project Education in Arts: find and show your identity through art

Michelle Schmitz graduated from the Master Education in Arts with a research project about the role of art in preparatory middle-level vocational education (theoretical programme) (VMBO-T). In the video below she talks about her project and about what she’s learned during this master. “With the project ‘Kunstwerk’ it’s essential that students complete school with a creative project. Instead of merely following art subjects. This way, they need to conduct artistic research and create something. And show their creation to their school and parents. The only question we ask them to find out is: who are you and what do you want to make?”

She says that when you let students be in control, they create something personal. “They know how to give shape to their personality. They shape it into an artistic product. The essence is being able to show that.” Michelle explains that it’s important to ask yourself who you are, what you find important, how that makes you feel, and what you can do with it. What can you create? For her, identity is very important.

She explains that she was forced to read more during this master, even outside of her own discipline. She continues: “Because of this master, I was forced to look at what I’m doing. And who I am, and why I do the things that I do. It forced me to critically evaluate the way I teach and if I still agree with the things I do and how I do them.”

Watch Michelle's story:

The Master Education in Arts trains you, as an artist educator, to provoke action that will initiate change. For instance, change in behavior or in awareness. During this course, you get three roles: you are an educator, an artist, and a researcher. You follow a practice-oriented program that tackles social issues. You get to learn about and deal with topics that fall within the subjects cultural studies, pedagogy, didactics, and identity issues. And you get a community that consists of students, teachers, tutors, and partners. This master course has been accredited by the NVAO and, as a result, has been included in the 2022 Master’s Guide.

Learn more about the Master Education in Arts