When was the last time you experienced awe and wonder?

The Whitworth Art Gallery educational experience by BA (Hons) Education and Learning 3^rd year students was intended to invoke experiences of awe and wonder, amongst other things!

Why is it important to visit an Art Gallery when you are studying for a degree in Education?  There are many reasons, and you will see a few below, which will hopefully inspire you to go on your own interactive journey.

Seeing art is important as this increases your ability to use visual imagery. This is important for your brain function, your thoughts and your critical thinking.  You can see words being depicted in visual ways which help you to make different connections with not only what you are thinking but more powerfully what you are feeling.  Art can inspire surprising feelings, it is ok in a gallery to feel puzzled and fearful, and at the same time to be safe.  Art can teach you a number of different subjects, for example, world geography and history.  There is a deeply thought-provoking emotional exhibition about the Northern Ireland/Eire division since Brexit where the majority of the people in Northern Ireland voted Remain. A much higher percentage of Northern Ireland voted to Remain than voted to Leave the rest of the UK, the artworks depicted powerfully the feelings and communications between people in Southern Ireland who are still in Europe and the Northern Irish who were forced to leave by the rest of the UK. Art itself can create conflicting opinions, the same image can be loved or hated by different people. Art encourages you to look at the world differently. To be a catalyst for change. If nothing else, an art gallery tour helps to develop concentration, inspires different ideas and encourages you to become an interesting person!  The gift shop is amazing too.