Performance Arts, The Netherlands
The performing arts are the embodied approach to thinking and presenting critical and creative approaches to environmental concerns. The initiative involves partnerships with vocational education and local culture organisations to engage learners and stakeholders. It particularly benefits vocational education by using art to foster critical thinking. Through collaboration with artists, learners participate in performances that examine soil health and biodiversity, merging the life sciences with creative expression.
How does this relate to CAE?
The performing arts serve as a medium for young participants to explore environmental concerns through direct engagement in performances. This hands-on approach deepens their understanding of the connection between human activities, soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability while enriching their cultural awareness. Led by artists, each performance serves as a medium for expressing and understanding cultural identities and values, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture and daily life. This method encourages reflection on environmental impact and cultural heritage, bridging scientific knowledge with cultural expression in a meaningful way.
Key stakeholders
The initiative includes students of applied sciences (such as biology, environmental science, or related fields) participating in performances, research, and collaborations. Artists interested in life sciences and environmental issues who explore these topics through various artistic mediums such as visual arts, theatre, dance, music, literature, or multimedia installations to raise awareness, provoke critical thinking, or advocate for environmental protection and sustainability. Students at all levels of education (from elementary school to university) interact with the performing arts through school curricula, workshops, and cultural programs. The general public, who attend performances, exhibitions, or events related to performance arts/life arts that explore ecological themes. Parents, caregivers, and educators often seek age-appropriate cultural experiences and educational resources to expose children to the arts and sciences at an early age. These experiences contribute to children’s holistic development by fostering creativity, empathy, and environmental awareness.
