SEMINAR

CROATIAN WORKSHOP - Building Bridges Through Creativity

This dynamic workshop uses interactive and collaborative art-making to explore the concept of social inclusion. Participants aged 20-50 years engaged in a guided creative process that highlighted the value of diverse perspectives and collective contributions. 

Through activities such as storytelling through visual art, group brainstorming, and creating a shared masterpiece, the session encourages open dialogue, empathy, and community building. This workshop blends hands-on creativity with meaningful discussions, leaving participants inspired and equipped to foster inclusion in their daily lives.

 

Workshop objectives:

1. Promote awareness of social inclusion and diversity through creative collaboration.  

2. Foster open dialogue about the importance of shared experiences and perspectives.  

3. Empower participants to use art as a medium for building connections.  

 

Materials Needed:

- Large canvas or several sheets of paper (for the collaborative art piece)  

- Acrylic paints, brushes, and palettes (or markers and colored pencils for a simpler option)  

- Sticky notes and markers  

- Inspirational quotes or prompts about inclusion (optional, printed or written on cards)  

- Music and speakers for an ambient atmosphere  

 

Structure:

1. Introduction & Icebreaker 10 min)

-  Briefly explain the goals of the workshop.  

  - Participants write down one word or phrase that represents inclusion to them on a sticky note.  

  - Share responses with the group, placing the notes on a board or wall to create a visual "idea web."  

 

2. Warm-Up Activity: Shared Storylines (10 min)

  - Each participant receives a small card with an inclusion-related prompt (e.g., "What makes a community strong?" or "Describe a moment you felt truly included").  

  - They create a quick, abstract sketch or write a brief reflection inspired by their card.  

  - Pair up to share their responses with someone else, building connections.  

 

3. Main Activity: Collaborative Artwork (30 min)

Lay out a large canvas or several sheets of paper on tables. Divide the space into sections, with some overlapping areas for collaborative designs.  

    1. Each participant starts by adding their unique mark—painting, drawing, or writing something that represents themselves or their vision of inclusion.  

    2. Gradually move toward connecting designs, emphasizing how individual contributions blend into a larger shared vision.  

    3. Encourage layering and interaction with others' work to symbolize interconnectedness.  

 

  - Prompt discussions as participants work, such as:  

    - What does this piece say about diversity?

    - How do our differences enhance the final artwork?

 

4. Reflection & Closing (10 min)

  - What did you notice about the process of creating together?  

  - How can the themes explored in this artwork translate to everyday inclusion? 

 

Display the finished piece and celebrate the collective effort.  

Provide participants with a small handout summarizing key takeaways on inclusion and a photo of the artwork (emailed later if possible).  

 

HOW IT WENT:

It went successfully , activity was handled according to preparation, participants were interested and cooperative. As a result, big canvas of sketches was created.

RESULTS

 

 

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WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE:

 

We implemented activity in 40 minutes, which wasn’t enough and as a result there were many blank (whites) spaces in the canvas. If I would implement activity again, I would take at least 60 min to do it properly. It would be even better if they managed to finish their ideas and fill canvas completely.