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Activities that guide you through putting our learnings into practice





1 - Gestures and names

This activity can be used as an introduction at the start of the project and/or each session. It brings people together as a group, is playful and expressive and is a chance to find out or remember names. It can also be used as a closing activity and can include a gesture to say goodbye.

 

 

You will need…

> 2 or more people (usually a group)


 

What to do...

> Make a gesture with your hands and say your name 

> Everyone repeats the gesture and your name*

> Invite someone to go next** 

> You can extend this activity by saying people’s names loudly and quietly and making big and small gestures.

 

 

*You may need to model this 

**This can be done with a simple hand gesture

 



2 - Acetate portraits

This activity is a way of meeting each other and introducing artmaking. It produces some interesting drawings and is an accessible way into making portraiture.

 

 

You will need…

> 2 or more people

> 1 acetate sheet per person

> 1 piece of perspex or a window

> 1 black marker pen 

> masking tape


What to do...

Stick the acetate to the perspex with masking tape. 

> If you do not have a piece of perspex or acetate you can draw straight onto a window (use a non-permanent marker).

> Decide who will draw first and who will be drawn

 >> The person drawing should…

        ... check which side the acetate sheet is on  

        ... hold the Perspex in front of their subject’s face

        ... use the black marker to draw the outline of their face and features

 >> The person being drawn should…

        ... sit as still as they can!

> When a drawing is finished, swap places!

  



3 - Object exploration box

This activity can introduce a new theme or topic and can support people to come up with initial ideas and express their thoughts and opinions. It can aid conversation and help people to get to know each other. 


 

You will need…

2 or more people

> 1 small box containing:

   >> small objects and images relating to your theme

   >> conversation prompts

   >> pens

   >> postcards or small pieces of card


What to do...

Collect objects and images that relate to the theme or topic you would like to discuss

> When choosing objects think about what makes them interesting and engaging: What are their tactile and sensory qualities, could they prompt questions about what they are or how they are used, might they evoke memories or feelings?

> Include images of objects and things that do not fit in the box and other relevant print material.

> Provide materials for drawing and writing as well as having verbal conversations. Postcards can work well as they are a recognisable space for dialogue.

> Preparing conversation prompts in advance can be help to keep the conversation going and they could be printed on cards in the box.

> Presenting the box with the lid on allows for a reveal and intrigue about what is inside. You could ask the other person to guess what is inside and maybe provide a small clue through the type of box or something on the outside of it.

> Take the objects out one by one and spend time exploring together. 

> Discuss, draw, and/or write in response.

  



4 - 3D objects

This activity is a means of working in pairs or groups to make decisions together based on a simple template that can be used to create a display or dress a set.  

 

You will need…

2 or more people

2 pieces of coloured card

> Scissors

> Tape 


What to do...

Fold 2 sheets of card together lengthways 

> Decide on a shape for your piece 

> Draw the outline on the folded half 

> Cut out the design 

> Open out and cut a slit on one piece from top to halfway 

> Cut the second piece from bottom to halfway 

> Slot the 2 piece together 

> Tape along the seams 

> Enjoy decorating and adding extra flourishes!

> Variations might be using more pieces of paper to create a fuller structure or cutting out patterns from the sheets before assembling