Workshops

At FoAM, we believe that learning doesn't stop at the gates of established educational institutions. The joy of discovering new things and adopting new skills is shared by all ages, disciplines and cultures - so why should an official graduation ceremony put a stop to this? FoAM's workshops focus on complex cultural issues (e.g. environmental and social resilience, mixed reality), emerging technologies (e.g. smart materials, desktop fabrication), as well as disappearing crafts (e.g. hand-drawing, gardening). They aim to broaden the participants understanding of the context in which they work, as well as provide them with a useful practical skill. When we design workshops we carefully choose the teaching methods to suit the group and the thematic. They range from intensive hands-on tutorials, to different forms of participatory group learning. Whether through introductory courses or advanced master-classes, FoAM has different ways of engaging both professionals and enthusiasts, in mixed groups of participants.

An important aspect of our workshops is the emphasis on learning from each other. This approach breaks down a strict hierarchy between the teacher and the student, making everyone an expert and a novice at the same time. The workshops are usually intensive sessions that last up to a week. Learning at FoAM doesn't stop at acquiring new technical, or intellectual skills, but includes developing interpersonal skills as well.

In order to get the most out of such workshops, the participants shouldn't be burdened by their day-to-day duties. This is why we often opt for retreats, where the participants learn together, but also cook food and relax with the same group of people. By getting to know each other in a social, as well as a working context, the participants forge collaborations and friendships, which continue long after the workshop ends.