CRASH Master’s Students Exploring [Common Ground] in Groningen

Vihreä ruohikko ja sininen taivas taustalla. Joukko opiskelijoita ja opettajia vilkuttaa nurmella. / Green grass, blue sky and a group of students and teachers standing and waving.

In late November, Master’s students of the Creativity and Arts in Social and Health Fields (CRASH) program participated in an inspiring Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Groningen, the Netherlands.

The aim of the [Common Ground] BIP was to explore what students developing their artistic practices and students using creativity in their work in social and health fields across different countries can learn from one another.

Group of tudents sitting on a floow where is two big oriental carpets.
Photo: BIP programme consisted of lectures, workshops and study visits. Here student group is visiting the cultural hub Wongema in Hornhuizen. Photographer: Mai Salmenkangas.

From the Essence of Creativity to the History of Activism

Over the course of a week, students engaged in exploring topics such as audiovisual interventions, decolonialization, alternative communication methods, the essence of creativity, and the responsibilities professionals face when encountering the vulnerabilities of others. Off-campus activities included a visit to the cultural hub Wongema surrounded by green fields and an urban city tour shedding light on the history of activism in Groningen.

The third [Common Ground] BIP strengthened the collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University (UK), Hanze UAS (Netherlands), Hogent UAS (Belgium) and Metropolia UAS (Finland). It is also expected to pave the way for further educational and research partnerships.

Students sitting on a small groups and behind is the screen and the teacher. The Screen has a question: discuss with each other what the necessary aspects are to feel at home.
Photo: Socially engaged artist and theatre director Jurgen van Tolie explained about his work in affected earthquake villages in diZerent and arranged a workshop to BIP students. Photographer: Mai Salmenkangas.

It is possible to have a peak into the second [Common Ground] BIP in Frankfurt (12:01 Youtube).

Main photo: CRASH students posed on the embankment of Hornhuizen during this year’s Blended Intensive Programme in the Netherlands. Photographer: Sarah Scholl.