Collaborative occasions of imagination: A philosophical pedagogical approach to arts education in the classroom

The aim of this paper is to outline the activities of an innovative, interdisciplinary public engagement programme delivered by a team from education, art and philosophy disciplines at a Scottish university. The programme began in 2018 and has continually evolved since then in response to its work with schools. The activities are inspired by a radio play written by Walter Benjamin (1892–1940) and combine art education and philosophical approaches in the primary classroom to support young children to engage with issues that affect their everyday lives as well as develop their understanding of both subjects. The author critically reflects on this in relation to Biesta's theory of a world‐centred education and considers a new model for art education with implications for further development.