interview 4
Medialab Prado
Medialab Prado is an experimental centre that functions as a meeting place for the production of open cultural projects. Its proposals aimed at children, young people and families aim to stimulate learning and creation through playful experiences, collaborative work and experimentation. Medialab Prado also uses its premises as a welcoming space for different groups of young people to meet, as well as providing specific play areas for families.
Marcos García
Artistic director of Medialab Prado
Javier Laporta
Mediation programme coordinator, Medialab Prado
Sara San Gregorio
Cultural manager and researcher
What methodology would you recommend for the construction of these policies or for their future implementation?
I would recommend more inclusive projects so that children With different needs can also be part of that wonderful lab.
Non-formal education methods (outside of the traditional class-room) present the advantages of favoriting experimental and experiential activities, potentially involving a range of cultural work allies like artists, sport coaches, DIY makers, techies etc, that can stimulate children imaginary worlds and make it visible in many ways.
Keep in mind that “children” is not a single group with a single set of characteristics, needs, wants etc. – but multiple stages requiring different perspectives (not so much a methodology)
so true
I think that maybe to become really democratic, it is necessary to enrich intergenerational spaces based on play to include more dialogue, reflection and deccision making in other structural aspects of the institution functioning.
Meet families, schools, inform and create awareness about the benefits for a total win-win!
We should be thinking of multiple methodologies…Maybe a start would be to host Mammalian Diving Reflex’s “Haircuts By Children” with senior politicians and policy makers in the city who will have their hair cut by children and converse whilst doing it!!! It places children in a position of expertise and confidence and unexpected power. This feels like an important starting point for constructing new policies in new ways
“Haircuts by Children” is a great example of a creative project which rebalances the power relationships in a highly effective way!
Really hard question to answer, but I like the idea of playing as a way of co-creation.
For instance there is “Management by Lego” for adults. Never tried it though.
You have super environment, spaces with super and complex equipment. Is it adaptable for example to a “traveling Medialab Prado”? (Go to schools etc.)
Working with artists, educators, architects – different people who has different perspectives and competences. Be brave, think “also”, there is not one methodlogy that will be suffiient. Being a child – is a competence that will pass. And one child is only one person´s perspecive. You have to repeat, refreash, and talk to a lot of children.
Children-centered, dignify their rolin the institution.Permanent installations.