Creative Pedagogies: School Without Walls and Forest of Imagination

Abstract

This paper responds directly to the question, how do we communicate our philosophy of art education? It does this by drawing upon previous research with House of Imagination, School Without Walls and doctoral research exploring children's learning identity as artists, to illuminate a philosophical approach to art education and its pedagogy that highlights both human and more-than-human dimensions of learning in communities of practice involving artists, researchers and educators working alongside children and young people where spaces of possibility for practice and innovation emerge. The paper focuses particularly on current and creative research in the Forest of Imagination, a long-term participatory contemporary arts and architecture event in Bath, UK. Forest of Imagination offers an alternative, creative approach to learning, focusing on ecological imagination and nature connection. As a new aesthetic imaginary, the Forest of Imagination is a living, breathing art classroom, inspiring curiosity, imagination and a deeper connection with the natural world.