Enhancing safety and security of exhibited artworks as a strategy to Improve students’ motivation in art and industrial design

Abstract

This study was carried out in the Department of Art and Industrial Design – Kyambogo University, particularly focusing on the exhibition process conducted at the end of every semester. The study sought to enhance safety and security of exhibited artworks as a strategy to improve students’ motivation in art and industrial design, at the department of Art and Industrial Design – Kyambogo University. A Participatory Action Research design was used, which employed qualitative research as an approach and it was guided by three objectives; the first objective aimed at developing monitoring activities for enhancing safety and security of exhibited artworks at the Department of Art and Industrial Design – Kyambogo University, the second objective aimed at implementing monitoring activities used during exhibition, while the third aimed at evaluating the monitoring activities used during exhibition. The study had a sample population of 30 respondents, comprising of (2) Administrators, (4) Teaching staff, and (24) students. Motivation theories of learning, particularly Intrinsic-Extrinsic motivation, was the underpinning theory that informed this study. The main findings revealed that the policy on exhibition is not well streamlined in the university’s examination policy; hence not taking into account the challenges encountered during and after the exhibition process. It was conclusively agreed upon by the study participants that lack of safety and security of exhibited artworks, affected learners’ motivation towards learning. Putting in place an exhibition monitoring team, use of identification documents during exhibition, designing and use of exhibition form, ensuring putting up and removing exhibits was done in sessions, were some of the implemented activities to change the status quo. The department should therefore endeavour to streamline the policy on exhibition but also explore alternative ways of exhibiting by use of digital tools for example online exhibitions. This would be more relevant and effective to the ever increasing number of students who require larger physical exhibition spaces, and a lot of resources.