Education on all levels

For primary school students in the middle and upper grades, we design a program for each exhibition that focuses on hands-on activities and experiences. This way, we introduce students to photography as a storytelling tool in an accessible and fun way.

Especially for primary school students, we offer the 'cyanotype' workshop, also known as a blueprint. This photographic technique, invented in 1842, uses blue light and two simple chemicals to create images without a camera. During the workshop, students make prints of (semi)transparent objects on paper they have made light-sensitive themselves. They search for objects you can see through, create a composition, and expose the paper, resulting in a blueprint. In this way, they learn about photograms, the history of imaging, physics, and chemistry, and visual language in a playful manner.

During school visits, Noorderlicht uses active viewing methods such as Visible Thinking, Visual Thinking Strategies, and Art Based Learning. These methods help students explore and reflect on art and photography in a playful and interactive way. The result is often surprising, magical moments where students are engaged and form a stronger connection with the works. Noorderlicht sees this as an effective way to connect with the experiences of young people and motivate them. For each exhibition, we develop a new approach based on these methods, aligned with what is on display at the time, ensuring that viewing remains both enjoyable and educational.

Noorderlicht offers a varied program for adults, regularly organizing lectures, debates, presentations, and screenings on photography and visual culture. In addition to our annual photo festival, where we always offer an educational program, ongoing activities take place in the Noorderlicht Studio. These interactive sessions give participants the opportunity to delve deeper into current topics and visual trends. Whether it's a discussion on the role of photography in society or a presentation of new artists, we create a space for learning, dialogue, and exchange. For more information on upcoming events, visit our Digital Mirror page.

In addition to the workshops, we also offer a teacher training program where participants not only receive theoretical background on various viewing methods but also have the opportunity to apply these methods in practice. Through interactive sessions and case studies, teachers learn how to guide their students in actively viewing art and photography, developing an inquisitive attitude, and engaging in meaningful conversations about images. There is also attention to how these methods can be adapted to different age groups and educational levels.

The course provides space for reflection and exchange with fellow teachers, allowing everyone to learn from each other's experiences. Through this intensive training, teachers can deepen their skills and enrich their lessons with new, inspiring ways to bring visual culture into the classroom. At the end of the course, participants will receive practical tools, such as a guidebook and a card set, to start applying the new insights immediately.