Fostering Creativity in Children and Youth Through Two- and Three-Dimensional Design

The Creativity Education Programme  Kids´YouthCreativeUni at the University of Arts Linz was founded in October 2010.

Its goal is to develop methods and models in the field of creativity education for children and adolescents in the visual arts.

Our expertise lies in the theoretical foundations of child development, creativity, the visual language of children and adolescents, and the practical development and application of methods.

Children are usually introduced to a guided approach to design in kindergartens and elementary schools. The focus is on learning various skills and techniques, such as coloring, depicting, or recreating predetermined themes or motifs. This approach is important because it specifically promotes the development of fine motor skills.

Nevertheless, every child and adolescent has a need for individual creative expression. As early as two to three years of age, children want to give expression to this creative energy. Drawing, painting, sculpting, and designing are fundamental forms of expression through which children and adolescents—depending on their stage of development—communicate in very complex ways and engage with their environment.

To meet and nurture these needs, a supportive environment and empathetic guidance are essential. The creativity courses offered by Kids´YouthCreativeUni provide exactly that. 
Our programs foster the development of independent ideas and decision-making, a willingness to experiment, the expression of one’s own impulses, and the joy of working independently.
In addition to providing insight into artistic processes and aesthetic experiences, the experience of one’s own creative expression fosters courage and self-confidence. Furthermore, participants can explore their talents, inclinations, preferences, and even their aversions.