An exploration of artistic creation in makerspaces and youth identity

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand how engagement in the arts in maker sessions might contribute to healthy identity development for youth experiencing risk factors in a maker-settings. Youth utilized different maker and technology tools, as well as art mediums. Data (observation notes, transcribed sessions, art creations, participants descriptions) was collected and analyzed from three participants to determine how they experienced the artistic process in the maker sessions and how this contributed to their identity formation. Findings indicate that the artistic process in the maker space program supported the youth’s identity formation in a positive manner, specifically in four domains: exploration, character and self-esteem, industry and confidence, and social and emotional competency. Although youth may not have reached full identity integration during this time, they were able to explore aspects of their identity in a safe and supportive environment and view themselves as artists and makers.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Rehman, Aalyia

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Laffier, Jennifer
• Hughes, Janette

• Artistic expression
• Makerspaces
• Identity formation
• At-risk youth
• Positive youth development

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1264

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1264