About the Project
Project Title: Science in the Service of Art: Innovative Approaches to Art Education
Acronym: ZusU
Project Holder: Academy of Arts and Culture in Osijek (AUKOS)
Funding Source: The project is financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU from source 581 – Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (2025)
Total Project Value: EUR 86,640.00
Project Duration: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2029
Project Summary
The project Science in the Service of Art: Innovative Approaches to Art Education (ZusU) interdisciplinarily investigates possibilities for improving art education through the integration of scientific knowledge and innovative pedagogical approaches. The goal of the project is to improve the quality of art education at all educational levels, from primary and secondary schools to higher education and lifelong learning, through interdisciplinary research and the development of innovative approaches based on scientific findings. The project will quantitatively and qualitatively analyze contemporary teaching practices and teaching practices throughout history. Furthermore, it will analyze the application of innovative approaches, propose concrete guidelines for improving the quality of art education at all levels, as well as for the lifelong education of art teachers. The project will identify approaches for working with gifted students and the application of creative therapies for working with students with disabilities. Digital technology will be used for the documentation and interpretation of the history of art education, applying the tools and methodology of digital humanities. Expected results include scientific publications, teaching materials, and guidelines for improving instruction, the organization of workshops and lectures for teachers, students, and pupils, and the hosting of a final project conference aimed at disseminating results and encouraging further cooperation. The project contributes to strengthening teacher competencies, developing the creativity and innovativeness of pupils and students, and improving the quality of art education in Croatia.
Main Objectives of the ZusU Project:
- To identify and analyze contemporary teaching practices and historical teaching practices in art education.
- To identify and analyze the applications of innovative approaches in art education.
- To develop specific guidelines for improving the quality of art education at all levels and the lifelong education of art teachers.
- To identify approaches and applications of music therapy for working with students with developmental disabilities in art education.
- To utilize digital tools and methods for documenting and interpreting literature in the field of the history of art education.
- To promote the importance of art in the educational system and society.
ZusU Project Breakdown by Work Packages:
WP 1: Analysis of contemporary and historical teaching practices in art education.
WP 2: Development and implementation of innovative teaching approaches.
WP 3: Research into approaches for working with students with disabilities using music therapy.
WP 4: Organization of workshops and lectures, and development of materials for lifelong teacher education.
WP 5: Digitization of historical sources.
WP 6: Dissemination of results, project evaluation, and recommendations for educational policy.