Stop the Madness!

Service Description

Workshop on Social Influence and Self-Expression **Theme:** Taking a stand – expressing your voice and opinions **Duration:** 90 minutes **Listen and be heard.** In this socially engaged art workshop, students explore how art can express opinions and influence society. The focus is on finding one’s voice and creating an artwork that communicates a message. The final piece can be a **poster**, **painting**, or **mixed media artwork**. #### Workshop questions: * What is contemporary art, really? * Can art take a stand? * What is the message of art? * What does contemporary art look like today? Students choose their own topic of concern — their personal *"madness"* — and express their viewpoint through individual or group artworks. They may work alone or in pairs, using drawing, painting, or collage techniques. --- ### **Pre-task (optional but recommended):** Discuss the idea of taking a stand. * How do different forms of expression affect everyday life? * When and how have you taken a stand? Students may write a short essay beforehand, reflecting on their personal viewpoint and how they would like to express it. This prepares them to dive straight into the creative process during the workshop. --- ### **After the workshop:** Reflect on your work: * How did your perspective come through in your artwork? * What did you want to influence or say? * What did you learn? **Exhibition:** All works will be displayed on the school’s walls. --- ### **Curriculum links (Finnish National Core Curriculum):** * Encourage students to **express their opinions** through visual art and respond to their environment. * Support the creation of a **personal connection to art**, visual culture, and values. * Guide students in exploring **visual communication** and in using visual means of influence in their own works (e.g., advertising, visual storytelling). * Develop skills in using a **variety of materials, techniques, and forms of expression**, including collaborative projects and mixed media group work. * Encourage **goal setting** and **recognition of completed work.