Main photo ©Paul Roquecave
RESEO’s 2016 Autumn conference Reflective Practice : Evaluation in Arts Education took place at the Opéra national de Paris on 28 – 30 November 2016. An exceptional event for an exceptional occasion: 2016 marked the 20th anniversary of RESEO’s founding. How to best reflect 20 years’ worth of arts education from all over Europe and the world?
The Opéra de Paris as a founding member and valued long-term partner was an obvious choice to host the event. In order to open up the conference to the largest possible number, it was decided to give the Conference an exceptional modular format. The Professional Practice Days (28 – 29 November) offered arts education professionals in-depth presentations, key studies, practical workshops, round tables and opportunities to connect, followed by a Debate and Exchange Day (30 November) free of charge and open to all thanks to the support of the Total Foundation.
Day 1 began with a presentation and practical session led by evaluation consultant Susanne Burns. Delegates put their new knowledge into practice by participating in practical workshops including a guided visit of the venue and a dance workshop. A debriefing session allowed everyone to give feedback on the sessions.
©Opéra national de Paris
On Day 2, delegates took part in two further workshops then reconvened in the afternoon for two very special panels exploring the past, present and future of arts education. Bernard Foccroulle (Festival d’Aix), Dominique Hervieu (Maison de la danse de Lyon), Nicholas Payne (Opera Europa) and Philippe Fanjas (Association française des orchestres) participated in the debate The Future of Arts Education in Europe, moderated by Pauline Tambling (CCSkills). The debate was followed by a reflective session in the company of some very special guests. RESEO welcomed back some of its founding members and former network managers – Katherine Heid, Agnès de Jacquelot, Isabel Joly, Lucie Kayas, Markus Kosuch, Ann Laenen, Ulla Laurio, Luke O’Shaughnessy, Pauline Tambling and Katie Tearle – for a nostalgic “Looking Back” wander down memory lane.
©Opéra national de Paris
The Debate and Exchange Day of 30 November hosted over 200 delegates in the Amphithéâtre of the Opéra Bastille. Three debates: Art Education and Schools: Impact on Young People, Arts Education and the Individual: Artistic Practice and Personal Development, Creative Learning for All – Arts Education Projects and Local Communities gave attendees a comprehensive overview of the state of evaluation and arts education in general at an international level. The debates were attended by a rich variety of attendees : culture professionals, politicians, education specialists, artists, students and press were all included among those present. Proof of the increasing recognition of the importance of arts education at an international level.
©Paul Roquecave
RESEO would very much like to thank the Opéra national de Paris, the Fondation Total and all those who contributed to making Reflective Practice: Evaluation in Arts Education such a successful event. For more information about the conference and to download speaker presentations, please consult the event page.