Contact information
Section coordinator Marianne Andreassen, marianne.andreassen@hiof.no.
Arts and crafts are pleased to contribute to collaboration, projects, and dissemination within:
- The understanding of the importance of aesthetic subjects in education and society in general.
- The significance for the subject of arts and crafts in primary school
- Development of arts and crafts in teacher education
- Art as a method - through the body
- The didactic potential of contemporary art, performative approaches, interaction and collective-material practices
- Practical crafts tailored for children and youth, such as wood, textiles, ceramics, graphics, and various drawing and painting techniques
- Development of teaching programs
- Development and maintenance of workshops
Professional profile and specialization
Curriculum work
Interpreting and developing curricula and writing articles related to the guiding documents for the subject within schools and education. This engagement ensures that the relevance and importance of the subject are maintained and emphasized within the education system.
Educational policy work
Participating in consultation processes, where expert opinions are provided to influence decision-makers. Additionally, newspaper articles and other publications are written to promote understanding and significance of the subject. Such efforts help ensure the development and recognition of the subject, as well as its ability to meet changing societal needs and expectations.
Aesthetic learning processes and creative work
Aesthetic learning processes and how creative work can contribute to fostering motivation, experiences, and learning in schools and kindergartens. Children are encouraged to express themselves creatively, which can boost their engagement, self-confidence, and ability to understand and interpret the world around them. Creative activities provide opportunities for personal development and can be a vital factor in creating an inclusive learning environment.
Crafts and the significance of hand building for self-understanding in a cultural context
Crafts promote a direct connection between thought and action, and through practical work, students can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their culture. Working with hands offers a unique way to convey ideas, history, and traditions, and so contribute to greater cultural awareness and identity.
International projects
International projects supported by Erasmus+: Collaboration with H. S. Skovoroda National Pedagogical University to build and strengthen partnerships between educational institutions in Europe, facilitating knowledge exchange, network building, and collaborative projects that upgrade the overall educational experience for both students and teachers. The aim is to promote cultural exchange and understanding through direct engagement with the Ukrainian educational system and its historical context, enriching participants' perspectives and promoting inclusion in education.
Unique Resources
The arts and crafts academic community has specialized expertise in various approaches to aesthetic learning processes:
- Upgraded woodwork facilities with machine room and various tools
- Ceramic workshop with large kiln and equipment for clay
- Textile department with sewing machines, equipment, and space for activities like felting
- Classrooms equipped with digital tools for theoretical instruction
- Drawing hall with good lighting, and equipment for exploration in drawing techniques and painting activities
- Photo studio with flash systems and DSLR cameras.
- Open gallery with excellent lighting and ample space for exhibits on both walls, in display cases, and installations in the room.
Weaving and felting
Samira Jamouchi has developed various educational programs for primary schools where weaving on self-made looms with plant-dyed yarn from local plants promotes interaction and reflection on sustainability. Recycling paper into new, beautiful handmade sheets is also an example of an educational program. Here, the gateway to an aesthetic learning process is respect for nature and environmental awareness using sustainable free materials. Examples include various techniques in felting, such as hand felting, nuno felting, and machine felting in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional expressions, as well as working with relief techniques. An introduction to historical and geographical aspects related to wool, sheep, and felting techniques is an integral part of her educational programs.
Drawing and painting
Through her own research and artistic development work in painting, Solveig Toft has specialized knowledge in visual communication, including composition, colour, and subject selection using various drawing and painting media.
Traditional crafts
The project "HandVerkSted" is an initiative aimed at developing an after-school program for children and young people interested in learning traditional crafts. This opportunity allows participants to immerse themselves in practical and creative activities while gaining insight into cultural traditions and craft methods. The steering group for the project consists of Harald Eivind Moe from HiØ, Janne Reitan (Editor at FormAkademisk), Christina Stubbrud (Managing Director at KDS), and Irene Brodshaug (Consultant at the Oslo Education Agency). Together, they ensure that the program is both educationally valuable and culturally relevant. This project can be transferred to several arenas associated with HiØ.