The CRAL project promotes the use of cinema and visual arts as vital tools for educational programs. Utilising these mediums, students can develop critical-thinking skills, creativity, and empathy, amongst other valuable abilities. They can look beyond the traditional approach to learning and explore new possibilities. In this article, we will discuss some examples of successful programs that have used cinema and visual arts in educational settings, such as Learning through Art at the Guggenheim and MOMA Learning.

Learning through Art (LTA) at the Guggenheim

https://www.guggenheim.org/learning-through-art/curriculum

The Learning through Art program at the Guggenheim works to integrate art into curricula for students in grades 2-6. The program’s goal is to promote the development of multiple literacies amongst students, including visual literacy. Visual literacy is the ability to decode and analyse visual messages and is essential for students to thrive in the digital age. The LTA program guides students through art projects and exhibitions, and like CRAL, promotes cross-disciplinary learning. These projects are designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills.

MOMA Learning

https://www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/tools_tips/

MOMA Learning is another example of a successful program that utilizes visual arts education as a tool to engage students. MOMA Learning provides educators with free resources they can use to introduce art to their curriculum. Educators can use resources such as lesson plans, artist timelines, and interactive videos to teach students how to analyze art pieces and discuss their cultural context. This program links art with other academic disciplines such as history, math, science, and language arts. The program helps students to develop their interpretation, observation, and analytical skills, as well as their understanding of visual literacy.

Cinema and visual arts offer significant possibilities for educational programs in schools and high schools. The CRAL project and these two examples, Learning through Art at the Guggenheim and MOMA Learning, demonstrate the power of these mediums. Utilising these programs, students can develop crucial skills, becoming more creative, collaborative, and empathetic. The projects incorporate cross-disciplinary learning and provide educators with innovative resources that add depth to their pedagogical approach. The CRAL project seeks to promote the use of these mediums in every classroom to transform the educational experience for students in Croatia, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, and Spain.