How can art-based activities help groups explore complex concepts?

Human beings have learned through the arts for thousands of years. Our brains are wired to learn through storytelling, drawings, rhythm, rhyme, music, and movement. Most cultures have passed down their histories through oral traditions. When I see my little baby dancing to music and looking attentively at pictures in a book, I know this is what our brains are designed for! Not only are the arts engaging, but it helps us remember and apply what we've learned, and to transform the way we see things.

In the way that journaling, note taking, or doodling are ways of processing, distilling, and re-organizing information, taking part in an art activity is very much a similar kind of thing, but one that engages multiple senses and transforms information into new forms. Art is a wonderful way to explore thoughts, emotions, and ideas through explorative play, especially when there is a greater focus on enjoying the process than there is on achieving a specific end result, though the end result itself can often uncover hidden patterns, reflections, stories, and new ideas. Art based activities are like a workout for the brain because they engage multiple senses and different parts of the brain.

We have many art-based activities that a team or organization can use to tackle challenges, build team rapport, and help individuals learn more about themselves. These activities have the potential to turn off our conscious brain and tap into abstract thinking, which can help us get out of our own way and bring solutions, ideas, and insights to the surface. Art activities can also awaken the inner child that we might have buried. In doing so we learn to embed more fun in our work and think more creatively about how to do our actual day to day work. Finally, by engaging in these right-brain-focused activities our left brain can rest, and after it will be stronger, more engaged, and better connected to our right brain.

I think that using art activities can be a great way for student groups to understand complicated ideas. When students create art, it helps them think in different ways and solve problems. Art also helps students talk and work together as a group because they can share their ideas through their process. This can lead to interesting conversations and better understanding. Plus, because you can touch/experience most visual art, it's easier for students to remember and learn difficult concepts.

There are so many benefits to working artistically in and with a group. You learn as you go - in fact you need very little knowledge except a willingness to engage to start with. Thinking though a problem creatively gives you the ability to exceed personal and group expectations- stuff happens when you work with hands mind and heart. You learn to trust this process and eventually yourself.

Many people think they have no artistic talent. There are methods of getting around this mindset. For example showing text-based work or naive work from artists like Cy Twombly. They might also share expensive works of art that one might say, “I could have done that. Facilitators can also create a safe environment at the start of the activity by calling for a judgement-free zone. For those unwilling to participate because they think the activity is silly or disconnected to their work or themselves, tell them the purpose and intended outcome. Then ask them to suspend their judgement for the duration of the activity. You might consider doing that in a welcome email. Then get everyone’s agreement on the rules before beginning the activity.

I find that most adults are hesitant and self-conscious to engage in the arts. I try to mitigate this by thinking about having low-risk activities first, like choosing songs to talk about or looking at artwork, rather than getting up to boogey or creating your own portrait! Another way I try to address this is to give multiple options for each activity. Some folks want to be the center of attention, and some don't. We need to be inclusive of all personalities.

I have found art-based activities to provide a creative and non-verbal platform where participants share thoughts, provide reflection, empathy, and dialogue fostering a deeper connection to the subject matter. The collaborative nature of art activities promote a sense of community and shared exploration, enhancing communication, diversity, and connection among participants.

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