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This pilot is implemented through the establishment and development of Living Labs. Living labs are real-life, collaborative environments where researchers, practitioners, and end users co-create, test, and evaluate innovative solutions in authentic settings. The ALPHABETICA Living Labs aim to bring together researchers and a diverse network of stakeholders connected to the school community, ranging from policymakers at different levels to educators’ associations, non-formal education organisations, and cultural and art institutions such as museums. The activity is carried out in different educational/learning settings, involving more than 500 pre-primary and primary-age children along with stakeholders.

The participation of diverse stakeholders in these real-world Living Lab experiments is particularly valuable, as the experimental nature of these environments often encourages participants to move beyond preconceived notions and institutional barriers. By framing collaboration within a space dedicated to exploration and innovation, Living Labs create opportunities for developing supportive and creative forums within organisations that are usually more rigid structures. Moreover, this experimental setting nurtures critical thinking and inspires the pursuit of original, transformative solutions.

What is expected to be reached by this pilot action?

EXPERIMENT
Living labs themselves are a novel methodological approach that expands upon the action research heritage while introducing new elements. In ALPHABETICA, it will include co-creation of the research and teaching proposals among different stakeholders and participants, focusing on the design, implementation and analysis of active engagement among end-users, citizens, and stakeholders.

REFRAME
A series of templates available to support the development and execution of living labs and the co-creation pathways will facilitate the reframing of key topics and problems related to art and arts-based education. This process integrates the knowledge, perspectives, and lived experiences of all participating stakeholders, leading to a richer, more inclusive understanding of the issues explored.

REFLECTION
The learning journey experienced by stakeholders who participate in the whole process of the living labs culminates with a practice reflection workshop, which will serve to validate the co-creation process, as well as to evaluate the impact of the results and contributing factors to the project’s research achievements.

The design thinking process developed for the Living Labs is replicable and can be adapted to other national contexts. To support this transferability, the tools and resources used throughout the process will be compiled into a handbook. In addition, the experience and insights gained will be consolidated in a dedicated policy paper to offer policy recommendations.