Evaluering af LegeKunst i et dagtilbudsperspektiv

The study evaluates PlayArt, a Danish project that focuses on artistic and aesthetic processes in kindergarten. The purpose of the evaluation is to uncover which change processes PlayArt has initiated in kindergartens, both among the kindergarten teachers and the children. The research questions are: 1) In the stories, can we see signs that there has been a change in kindergarten practice as a result of PlayArt? (Open exploration of types of change). 2) In the stories, can we see signs that PlayArt has generated some form of reflection on the practice of institutions, for example in relation to play, aesthetic processes, co-creation and formation? (Open investigation of different types of reflections). 3) In the stories, can we see signs that PlayArt has led to the children playing differently? (Open exploration of forms of play).

The report concludes that the PlayArt project has led to significant changes in the institutions’ practice. There was a greater focus on aesthetic processes, and many institutions gained a better understanding of the relationship between process and product. The project also changed the way employees participate in the play; they no longer control the play to the same extent, but instead engage more on equal terms with the children. According to the authors, PlayArt contributed to reflections on practice in the institutions. The employees evaluated their role in play, the importance of aesthetic processes, and how they can create a more equitable space for all children.

Through action learning, the researchers collected 510 practice stories from 38 Danish kindergartens and after-school programmes, distributed across 18 municipalities. Every kindergarten/after-school programme that carried out various art activities in collaboration with artists or cultural institutions went through a process consisting of five phases: wonder, planning, action, documentation and reflection. During the process, the kindergarten/after-school programme coordinator wrote practice stories. The researcher analysed the practice stories from the phases of wonder and reflection. The researchers also analysed written stories summarising the entire process. These stories were written by a PlayArt supervisor who followed the process.

Hansen, L. E., & Særkjær, C. (2023). Evaluering af LegeKunst i et dagtilbudsperspektiv. Rapport. Center for Kulturevaluering. Aarhus universitet.