ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the arts enhancing human capabilities by promoting social change in an educational manner; it offers various alternative conceptions of opportunities to arrange and shape the world we live in. The arts-based method was developed for application in social work settings in The Netherlands, although in principle, it is not contextually limited. The major part of the method is based on the principles of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS). The purpose of VTS is to provide a tool for collaborative discussions about images and social identity. VTS is a method of looking at art by exchanging thoughts. The technique teaches participants a structured and focused attention on art and each other and to observe methodical differences and similarities. Observing art according to the VTS method improves perception, critical-analytical thinking, and gives permission to wonder. Typical interventions the VTS facilitator can apply during the sessions are questions focusing on the participants becoming more aware of perception and interpretation.
