Indoor / outdoor / studio space / classroom / community space / online (with adaptations)
Group size
4 – 15 participants (ideal: 6–10)
Objective
It supports young artists in recognising and expressing emotional states, while building collective trust and shared responsibility within groups.
It helps participants develop healthy coping strategies through reflection, listening, and peer support.
It also enables facilitators to monitor group wellbeing and adapt the process accordingly.
When to use it
At the beginning of sessions (emotional check-in)
During intensive project phases (to prevent stress overload)
At key reflection moments
When group tension or disengagement is noticeable
Step-by-step guide
1. Set the space (5 minutes)
Invite participants to sit in a circle where everyone can see each other.
Briefly frame the purpose: this is a non-judgemental space for sharing and listening.
Agree on 2–3 simple ground rules (e.g. confidentiality, no interruptions, right to pass)
2. Individual check-in (5–10 minutes)
Ask each participant to answer a simple prompt, for example:
“How are you arriving today, in one word or image?”
“What is your current energy level?”
Participants share briefly, one by one. No comments or responses at this stage.
3. Creative expression phase (10–15 minutes)
Invite participants to translate their current emotional state into a quick creative form:
Drawing
Writing
symbolic sketch
body gesture (if appropriate)
…
This is not about artistic quality, but about externalising internal states.
4. Optional sharing in pairs or small groups (10 minutes)
Participants share their creation with one or two others.
Prompt:
“What does this represent?”
“What feels most present for you right now?”
This step helps reduce pressure before sharing in the full group.
5. Collective reflection circle (15–20 minutes)
Return to the full circle. Invite voluntary sharing.
Facilitator introduces guiding questions such as:
“What themes are emerging in the group?”
“What do we need as a group today?”
“What would support you to continue working?”
Encourage participants to respond to each other, not only to the facilitator.
6. Closing and grounding (5 minutes)
Summarise key insights (without interpreting or judging).
Optionally invite a short grounding action (breathing, stretching, or a collective gesture).
If needed, agree on small adjustments for the session or project.
Materials needed
Paper, pens, markers (optional: any basic creative materials available)
Tips for facilitators
Do not force sharing, the right to pass is essential for psychological safety
Pay attention to participants who withdraw or dominate the space
Avoid “fixing” emotions; focus on holding space rather than solving
Be mindful of emotional intensity, redirect to lighter reflection if needed
Clearly separate this space from critique or evaluation moments
If strong distress emerges, acknowledge it but avoid turning the session into therapy
Possible variations
Use objects or images instead of drawing (for less verbally confident groups)
Conduct the reflection silently using written prompts (for low-energy groups)
Integrate movement-based expression for more embodied practices
Use digital tools (shared boards, anonymous inputs) in online settings
Repeat regularly as a ritual to build long-term group trust
