Creating a place for creative exchange and the exploration of social concepts

From the 3rd until the 10th of May, the youth exchange Art Thinking – Tools for community building and alternative education through artistic methodology took place in the heart of East Leipzig. 21 young people from France, Hungary and Germany explored artistic methodologies in cultural and community-based endeavours.

We were hosted by the socio-cultural space Pöge House. Established as a former residence for working-class people employed by a local printing business in the late 1800s, it was re-established in 2009, now offering cultural, social and artistic events to foster connection and exchange within the neighbourhood. This also invited participants to take the neighbourhood and local materials into account during the creative process and the creation of the final exhibition.

Flor de Matos, artist, poet and youth worker from the CAMBIO Team and Cora Marin, a local artist and educator, organized this youth exchange. With their expertise, they led people out of their comfort zones and into new artistic territories. They specifically focused on introducing the concept and consequences of collective responsibility, letting participants shape decision-making processes and adapting the schedule to their needs.

Art Thinking: Utilizing art to explore new perspectives on everyday life and community

Throughout the week, we dove deeply into the concept of Art thinking, a way of engaging with everyday life and questioning established structures through and artistic lens.

On the first day, we explored group connections and ways to connect with one another, first in a more general way and then with the Hologram, also known as the Triangle of Care, a methodology built on deep listening and understanding. We then used the insight into our inner world to create a Fanzine about ourselves. Here, participants were able to draw a direct connection from their feelings and experiences towards artistic expression, particularly collaging and zinemaking.

Then, participants were introduced to the concept of Art Thinking, which would inform all further steps within the training. They would use more artistic exercises, such as the Card’o’thek card game designed by Cora Marin or Neighbourhood Journaling, to loosen up and gain a new perspective on what can become art. Informed by this, they also discussed the design of the exhibition and their needs within this process in smaller groups, strengthening collaboration and group responsibility. While challenging, this allowed participants to engage deeply with the consequences of design choices and collective needs.

The third day offered space to continue the creative process of the previous day, while also providing more insight into the historical influences on Art thinking through input on the Situational Internationalist Movement. Both were then used to further discuss and bring together the needs for the exhibition design and have a preliminary look at the material prepared.

On the subsequent field trip, which was accompanied by rainy weather, participants explored cultural spaces in the East and West neighbourhoods of Leipzig, further connecting with the local community and gathering materials for the upcoming exhibition. They learned how to balance artistic freedom with limited resources and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Exhibiting the final product: bringing Art Thinking into interactive artistic practice

Finally, the process culminated in the set-up of the exhibition, where participants put theoretical and structural considerations into practice. The seminar space, a single white room, was transformed into a maze of black curtains displaying participants‘ art. During the exhibition, instrumental music by the Dutch musician Max van der Wal supported the explorative atmosphere. Acquaintances and strangers alike wandered through the exhibition pieces and were invited to interact by leaving their handprint on the wall of hands, handing out hearts to art that moved them and to sit down at the zine station to let their own creativity flow. Participants learned how beautifully these very theoretical concepts can be transformed into an artistic reality. They reported having gained confidence and trust in their abilities as artists.

The final day: reflection, sharing, and planning for the future

The final day was one of reflection. We reflected on the exchange as a whole and identified areas of improvement. People shared that they had been able to engage with art in novel ways and step out, or rather widen, their comfort zone. They also reported feeling more capable as an artist and within group processes. Further, participants had space and time to plan future events inspired by the project, such as a zine workshop, penpalling or local events on the methodology of Art thinking.

Throughout the week, the yummy food prepared by Magda Riedel and Lara Riboni of the CAMBIO team sustained us and fuelled our creativity. Meal times and tasks further stressed the importance of taking responsibility for the collective by supporting kitchen tasks and making sure everyone has their fair share of food.

Art thinking proved to be a project with many challenges that arise when you venture out of zones that may provide comfort, but also leave you stagnant. Within that, it facilitated long-lasting growth, the effects of which may only be visible far after the project’s lifetime. It offered space, time and methods to engage with art and your environment deeply, while also stressing the transformative power of these new structures.