Artistic emergencies for the participation and inclusion of children's expressions in crisis situations

The ANDANA project focuses on investigating how artistic and cultural actions can become effective tools for channeling children's voices and fostering their social inclusion in crisis and emergency contexts. In a global context of growing inequalities and challenges such as climate change, armed conflict, and natural disasters, children, as a vulnerable group, face significant limitations in expressing their needs and actively participating in society. Emergency situations amplify these vulnerabilities, relegating children to a position of invisibility in decision-making. The arts offer a universal, symbolic, and accessible language that transcends traditional communication barriers, allowing them to express emotions, understand complex situations, and participate in democratic processes from an inclusive perspective.

Acronym

ANDANA

Reference code

PID2024-158826OB-I00

Description

The project aims to provide an understanding, through the creation of artistic knowledge, of how external crises affect the life experiences of preschool and primary school children. Establishing a Manual and Action Kit using artistic interventions for mediation by educators in the event of the activation of child protection protocols during crises and emergencies, to guarantee the future democratic participation of children as citizens, as well as the effective listening to and response to their voices. Collaboration with socio-cultural institutions, such as museums, libraries, and community spaces, is encouraged to legitimize and amplify children's voices in the cultural sphere. The project methodology combines a mixed-methods approach that integrates arts-based educational research, design research, and experimental trials in five Early Childhood and Primary Education schools. In these phases, contemporary artistic references and techniques will be used to foster children's creativity. Simultaneously, qualitative and quantitative analyses of children's creations and the perceptions of the participating educational communities will be conducted to validate the designed tools and ensure their long-term impact. Expected results include the creation of innovative pedagogical tools, the validation of inclusive artistic methodologies, and increased social awareness. Contributing to strengthening the emotional and social resilience of children, empowering them as active participants in democratic processes, even in adverse situations. Furthermore, disseminating the results through art exhibitions, teacher training courses, and scientific publications will allow the knowledge generated to be transferred to a broad audience, promoting its replicability in other cultural and geographical contexts. The research team is composed of experts in Fine Arts and Art Education from five public universities (UV, UPV, UJI, UM, UMH), with extensive experience in interdisciplinary projects, educational innovation, and cultural cooperation. This proposal aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 4, 10, 13, and 16, promoting inclusive education, reducing inequalities, and building resilience to global challenges, and helps position Spain as a leader in the use of the arts for children's inclusion in crisis situations.

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