ArtShots–Art and Multimedia Communication Labs: Framing Strategies and Platforms for Crossing Experiences in Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Artshots-Art and Multimedia Communication Labs is an annual event organized by LAB: ACM-Laboratory of Art and Multimedia Communication within the Polytechnic Institute of Beja, in Portugal. The event promotes several workshops lead by students from two BA Courses, Art and Multimedia, and Education and Multimedia Communication. The main goal of ArtShots is to actively integrate the current students on the training process and to approach teachers and students of Secondary School with the knowledge and practice of Higher Education. The purpose of using a methodology based on working laboratories is to acknowledge conceptual and technical aspects of artistic practice and content mediatisation. This article presents the event as a successful case study, regarding the increase of affluence and interest by the program and the BA Courses on a national scale, which has been contributed positively to minimize the inland depopulation of south of Portugal and also to reinforce the role of the arts on this context. Since the first edition, in 2005, we have been able to frame a critical thinking on the models and practices that allow the improvement of training strategies and gather useful information about our current and future students. For this purpose we developed a study focused on obtaining results about the impact of applicant students in our institution. Furthermore, this study intends to analyse the students experience as a trainee, namely its significance on their education and professional integration.