Exploring Engagement at ArtPlay: What Factors Influence the Engagement of Children and Families in an Artist-Led Community-Based Workshop?

Abstract

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ARTS to the creative, cultural and social development of children is increasingly acknowledged. In recognition of this, ArtPlay was established in 2005 by the City of Melbourne. Open to children aged three to 12 years, the facility provides a wide range of artist-led programs that serve a broad community, including parents and teachers. While institutions such as ArtPlay are emerging in response to a growing community demand, there has yet to be significant and sustained research into processes and outcomes of such organisations. This paper reports on a three-year Australia Research Council-funded research project (2007–2009) that has been designed to identify, map and evidence the practices of ArtPlay in relation to engagement, learning and cultural citizenship. Through reference to the responses of children, families and artists to one key ArtPlay program, Pocketfool for preschoolers, this paper explores the question: What factors influence the engagement of children and families in an artist-led community-based workshop?