Welcome aboard our S.P.A.C.E.-programme: a 5-month programme for international incoming students and Belgian students on art and creativity in social settings. An interesting mix of theory, art-based labs, visits and project work!
Are you interested in art and creativity in social settings? You want to explore artistic workshops for people with a disability, socio-artistic practices in neighbourhoods or creative expression as way of connection? Then join S.P.A.C.E. that stands for Social Pedagogical Art & Creativity Exploration, an international programme of 30 ECTS for students of social and/or creative studies. This programme lets you explore how art and creativity are linked and used in social-(ped)agogical settings.
Participants are preferably students from social studies, social pedagogy, social work, special education, psychology, related educational programmes or artistic studies focussing on social aspects. It is preferable that you have some affinity or practical experience with art and creativity in a social/pedagogical context taken from practical placement, work or voluntary service.
The programme is a mix of theory and practice, class work and individual work. Enrolled students are expected to participate in all the programme components and to contribute actively during lessons, group-based project work, workshops, visits and presentations.
Learning Outcomes
The aim of the S.P.A.C.E.-programme for students is to:
• gain insight in the value of art and creativity in society and democracy, more specific in 'the social sector' and in education.
• develop competences for professional critical reflection on creative and artistic pedagogical approaches for a variety of clients
• experience challenges and possibilities during art-based labs
• reflect individually and in group on actual themes on arts and creativity in relation to professional social/pedagogical work
• experience project work in group, commissioned by a professional social or artistic organisation
Study programme
The programme consists of the following courses:
Philosophy on Art & Creativity (3 ECTS)
In this course we explore different philosophies on art and creativity, which will be considered in relation to the social-pedagogical context of a democracy. An interesting mix of pedagogical, psychological, political and philosophical theories and reflections will be presented in the class and discussed in group.
ARTillery (8 ECTS), consisting of 2 parts:
- ARTillery: Art-Based Labs (5 ECTS)
Time for action! An essential part of the programme gives you opportunity to experience, train and develop a variety of creative skills of expression such as theatre & drama, visual arts, movement & dance and sound & music. In this way you may discover the possibilities of creative and aesthetic activities and processes in social(-pedagogical) contexts. - ARTillery: Research & Reflection (3 ECTS)
In this part, you work on an individual research question, delve into the literature and reflect on the content and the moments of exploration of the art-based labs.
Sector Exploration and Study Visits (4 ECTS)
There is a large variety in social organisations focussing on art and creativity and artistic or cultural organisations focussing on specific audiences, interactive activities or participatory practises. You are going to visit social-artistic organisations, art museums, art education organisations, creative youth initiatives and artistic ateliers for people with a disability. Furthermore you too are going to explore what is developing in your respective countries and present this to the other students.
Global Sustainability and Engagement (3 ECTS)
The beginning of the 21st century is marked by profound societal changes as well as rapid social change. Then complexity of the world has increased exponentially, and political, economic and sociocultural developments can at present only be analysed and understood in a global context. In this course, we focus on the 21st century competences (sustainability, international and intercultural competences, creativity and innovation, dealing with diversity etc.), with the UN Sustainable Development Goals as framework of reference. By following this course, you will gain awareness and insights into the field of global issues and world citizenship. A selection of current global issues will be presented: climate change, racism and discrimination, poverty and inequality, conflict and peace, migration etc.In this course, you can choose between two tracks: a research track or a community service learning track.
Group Project (12 ECTS)
The Group Project is the ‘grand finale’ of the S.P.A.C.E.-programme. During 8 weeks you will work full time in a group of 6-8 students on an actual problem or case-study formulated by a social or artistic organisation: a fascinating integration of knowledge and experience, theory and practice.
Active / Interactive
S.P.A.C.E. is quite an active and interactive programme as a lot of workshop days and study visits are planned. In this way, the focus is not only on theory and reflection, but also strongly on activities and experiences. So bear in mind that the contact hours per week are higher than in classical training programmes with only lectures and theoretical lessons.
Evaluation - Examination?
Depending on the specificity of the course, the evaluation takes place through continuous evaluation, a paper, a presentation moment, an assignment, an oral or written exam. At the start of each course you will learn more about the specific evaluation for each course.
Information & application
Application and housing procedure can be found on this web page. Also don't forget to send your CV and motivational letter to Bart Vanhoenacker.
Grants - Agreements
VIVES has bilateral Erasmus agreements for exchanging students with universities and university colleges in most European countries. An exchange agreement will qualify you for grants. Ask the International Office at your university (college) if your institution has an exchange agreement or contact us to make one.
We experimented and learned a lot of things that we will never forget, one of the most important was that through art and creativity you can communicate in a deeper way than with words".
Study in Kortrijk
The city of Kortrijk is situated in the Flemish Province of West-Flanders. Since the Middle Ages it is famed as the city of the Battle of the Golden Spurs. Nowadays it is also the city of Innovation, Creation and Design. Kortrijk has an extended student population with one university and two Universities of Applied Sciences. The VIVES-Campus is situated at a 10-minute distance from the city center, where you can find a lot of shops, pubs and cultural organizations.
Accommodation
We can help you find accommodation. VIVES has a number of student rooms at its disposal. Check our website for more information on the housing procedure.
Student Testimonials
Being part of S.P.A.C.E. was an amazing experience. It made us grow personally in very different ways, not just knowledge but also socially and professionally. We experimented and learned a lot of things that we will never forget, one of the most important was that through art and creativity you can communicate in a deeper way than with words".
- Alba Pena Saveedra & Marta Estevez Cebrian - Universidade da Coruña - España
"S.P.A.C.E. program was one of the my greatest experience in my life, positive. Must say – we were a very close group, still in touch. S.P.A.C.E. gave me friends, opened my opportunity, change my opinions about some social methods, possibility to be a volunteer and work with art with people with a disability. Amazing experiences! Was so touched, human. S.P.A.C.E. gave me the most important thing ever - friendship :-)"
- Klára Sigmundová -Ostravská Univerzita - Czech Republic
"I now work in National Museum (in Prague) so yes my job is close to culture and creative space. And I think also because S. P. A. C. E. – mainly our visits in Belgium – were a good experience for my profession now. And also the whole Erasmus was a great experience and also that time was full of crazy and nice things abroad as well. :) Full of great people with friendship forever. I hope there will be a possibility to visit Kortrijk again in the future..."
- Jana Bitljan (Svobodová) - Charles Univerisity Prague - Czech Republic
"I am very pleased to have been a part of the S.P.A.C.E programme and I can confidently recommend it to others! The S.P.A.C.E programme helped me at university. Last year we had a very interesting project where we ended up doing a wall painting with people with disabilities. We danced, drew, everyone showed their imagination. It was a real burst of emotion. When we were abroad, those were the best moments of my life! Unforgettable student weekdays, interesting exercises, and works of art. These emotions are for all life!!!"
- Iryna Lutsykiv - Ukraïn - Drohobych Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University