Meeting with teachers, Public School № 58

Public Space and School - Program for Tbilisi Visual Arts Teachers

The Tbilisi Public Art Fund organized a program for visual arts teachers in Tbilisi, hosted by Public School № 58. In the first part of the program, teachers were introduced to the Fund's mission, its program, and the artists who won the open calls along with their works and the educational activities.

The second part of the meetings focused on discussions about the importance of students' daily experiences with the city, such as streets, neighbourhoods, transportation, public art, green spaces, and cultural institutions. The discussions covered how these urban experiences relate to art lessons, the connection between educational goals and public spaces, the representational spaces around the city, and how students and teachers perceive these spaces. Additionally, the conversations explored how these topics can be taught and learned, what support and services would facilitate this task, and what kind of public art would be desirable in the city.

During the meetings, teachers shared their experiences and discussed extracurricular and interdisciplinary projects related to public art, along with the general concerns and problems that arise when addressing similar content. Based on these discussions, collages were created using photos of different spaces around Tbilisi and additional materials.

Visual arts teachers can always seek advice, assistance, or consultation regarding lesson planning and delivery, both in relation to the Fund’s projects and public space and art in general. These meetings with school teachers are especially important for the Fund to share practices, receive feedback, establish new connections, and foster closer cooperation in the future.