Entre Tradição e Transformação: Educação Artística como Espaço de Identidade e Inclusão nos Açores

Abstract

This report results from the reflective process developed within the scope of the Supervised Teaching Practice of the Master's Degree in Visual Arts Teaching for the 3rd Cycle of Basic Education and Secondary Education, carried out at Domingos Rebelo Secondary School, in Ponta Delgada. The pedagogical practice was developed with 8th grade Visual Arts classes and 12th grade Drawing A classes, based on a didactic proposal centred on the theme of the Holy Spirit as a cultural, symbolic and community phenomenon deeply rooted in Azorean reality. More than approaching tradition from a merely festive or decorative perspective, this work sought to reflect upon issues related to memory, identity, belonging, the invisibility of women, community and social transformation, considering art education as a space for participation, experimentation and critical construction. Through the development of collective practices, the exploration of artistic references and the creation of an installation inspired by the culture of the Holy Spirit, the report follows not only the processes developed with the students, but also the doubts, tensions, difficulties and learning experiences that emerged throughout the pedagogical practice. At the same time, this journey gave rise to a broader reflection on the role of school and art education in contemporary society, questioning excessively rigid educational models and seeking to understand how artistic practice may contribute to the construction of more human, inclusive and participatory spaces. Between tradition and transformation, this report therefore presents itself as a process of pedagogical and personal construction, in which teaching also revealed itself as a way of revisiting memories, creating relationships and rethinking the place of education within the community.