REPORT ON THE EXPANDED CLASSROOM: UNIVERSITY-MUSEUMS PERFORMATIVE ACTION PROJECT

Abstract

The Expanded Classroom: University-Museums performative action project was undertaken by fourth year Bachelor of Arts, Performing Arts Degree students of Nebrija University during the first quarter of the 2019 academic year. Students participated in the Diversity, Sexuality, and Art project directed by the Madrid City Council in conjunction with the education departments at the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the El Prado National Museums, as well as with the collaboration of Nebrija University. The project aims to develop a strategy to raise awareness of sexual education through arts and culture. In response to sexuality-themed artwork selected by the Thyssen and Prado Museums, students were directed to design, develop, and evaluate performative actions. The concept for these performative actions has been informed by A/r/tography, as well as by Project-Based Learning and Arts-Based Educational Research. Students ultimately performed their actions for an audience of baccalaureate students of Fine and Performing Arts at Lope de Vega and San Isidro high schools in Madrid. Student participation in this project far exceeded initial expectations, enhancing and increasing their personal, academic, professional skills.