Children are the bearers of the future, but they are also the most vulnerable part of our society. Their development is shaped by the experiences, support, and opportunities we provide them. Art is not just a means of entertainment—it is the cornerstone of creative and emotional development. Our foundation recognizes the essential role of art in children’s lives and is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to develop their potential through artistic activities.
Why Is Art Important for Children’s Development?
Expressing Emotions and Overcoming Obstacles
Art offers children a unique way to express feelings they cannot easily put into words. According to Diane Waller, art not only allows children to channel complex emotions but also helps them overcome deeply rooted challenges through interaction with artistic materials and therapists.
The foundation of art therapy lies in creating a safe space where children can explore and express their inner worlds. For example, activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting with clay act as a “container” for intense emotions such as anger, fear, or sadness. Through this process, children not only achieve emotional relief but also develop a better understanding of themselves and their experiences.
In group settings, art also fosters the development of social skills. Waller emphasizes that collaborative art projects help children build mutual trust, improve communication, and resolve conflicts. Such activities are especially significant for children facing trauma or emotional challenges, as they provide a tool for exploration and expression that is often unavailable through conventional verbal channels (Waller, 2006).
Developing Creativity and Aesthetic Understanding
According to research by Ingrid P. Samuelsson and her colleagues, artistic activities such as music, dance, and poetry help children develop a wide range of skills—from creative thinking to the ability to express complex ideas through artistic mediums. These activities are not merely entertaining; they are crucial for early cognitive development and for shaping children’s aesthetic understanding.
The researchers highlight the importance of cultivating an “aesthetic movement,” where children explore spatial relationships, rhythm, and emotional expression through dance and other forms of movement. The role of mentors is vital here—by setting challenges and guiding discussions, they encourage children to recognize the subtleties of artistic concepts and experiment with different forms of expression.
Through music, children learn about harmony, dynamics, and expression, while poetry nurtures their understanding of language and symbolism. Activities that incorporate rhyme, rhythm, and wordplay allow children to explore the depths of their imagination, with teachers helping them discover the connections between language and emotions. This not only develops their linguistic and artistic skills but also builds their confidence and creative independence (Samuelsson et al., 2009).
Our Mission – Making Art Accessible to All
The One Team Foundation believes that art should be accessible to every child, regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why we organize free workshops and art classes, enabling children to draw, paint, dance, sing, and develop their potential through creative activities.
Our goal is to empower children to build self-confidence, explore their imagination, and develop values that will help them grow into responsible and empathetic individuals.
Join our mission. Together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to express their full potential through art.
References:
Samuelsson, I. P., Carlsson, M. A., Olsson, B., Pramling, N., & Wallerstedt, C. (2009). The art of teaching children the arts: Music, dance and poetry with children aged 2–8 years old. International Journal of Early Years Education, 17(2), 119-135.
Waller, D. (2006). Art therapy for children: How it leads to change. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 11(2), 271-282.
