Prior to embarking on the MA at Aberystwyth, I was lucky enough to take part in an Erasmus project exploring aesthetic approaches in Outdoor Learning. This was alongside colleagues from Slovenia, Germany and Finland. The project culminated in the production of a handbook of ideas and suggestions for engaging people of all ages to connect with the natural world through their senses. It’s been an exciting journey of discovery, exploring different cultural approaches and pedagogies from the partner countries and organisations. I think the finished handbook is worth sharing as it covers several ideas for engaging in arts outdoors, land art, abstract painting and painting what you hear. The booklet has been shared amongst the AHOEC ( Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres ) as well as the Institute for Outdoor Learning. An article about it was published in Horizons magazine. You can find the link to the article below. I have also put a link below to the digital handbook. Please share this resource or use it as you see fit.
The culmination of the project is a youth exchange. I will be accompanying a group of young people from the local High School to Finland in October 2021. The participants will have the chance to explore some of these ideas, outside, with other young people from the partner countries.
Nuala Dunn Artist 