ABSTRACT
This chapter draws on theories of emancipatory pedagogy, critical pedagogy, collaborative learning, and transformative learning to explore key features of socially engaged art that foster critical awareness and social empowerment. By examining a selection of socially engaged art projects, the chapter argues that the learning potential in these practices is rooted in active participation, social interaction, co-creation, critical reflection, and shared knowledge construction. Through inclusive, dialogical, and reflective processes, socially engaged art creates transformative learning environments where participants challenge societal norms, engage in collective meaning-making, and develop the agency needed to drive social change. The chapter draws attention to the importance of equality, respect, mutual support, and individual and group accountability as foundational to the process of learning in socially engaged art.
In addition, this chapter sets the stage for Chapter 5, which delves into the role of socially engaged art in facilitating social transformation and lays the groundwork for the second part of the book, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of learning in socially engaged art practices, distinct from traditional art forms.
