The Time for (S)heroes project workshop brought drama pedagogy and visions for the future of sustainable fashion design to Saaremaa
On June 10–11, students from Kuressaare Vocational School participated in the international Time for (S)heroes workshop to explore the meaning of sustainable heroism through drama pedagogy. Organized with the involvement of the Tallinn Business Incubator, the Time for (S)heroes project aims to develop sustainable and collaborative practices in the fields of fashion and costume design.
The workshop was facilitated by experienced drama- and arts-based education experts Heini Haapaniemi, Kati Viljakainen, and Matti Halén from South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk). The Time for (S)heroes workshop applied drama and arts-based learning methods rooted in experiential and collaborative learning. It was a creative process in which participants explored identity, values, and the role of the designer through movement, visual form, words, and active engagement. Everyone was encouraged to join from their own starting point – with the aim of creating a safe space for experimentation, reflection, and peer learning. The facilitators supported the process through questions, creative stimuli, and by helping the group find its own rhythm – without offering ready-made answers.
Creativity, Identity, and Heroes
Over two days, participants explored a wide range of themes: from personal identity and creative self-expression to collaboration, the concept of heroism, and the societal impact of designers. They discovered how personal values and worldviews can be expressed and made visible through art, fashion, and costume – through form, color, and material choices.
A particular focus was placed on meaningful presence and co-creation. For example, participants discussed what “the voice of the hero” might mean in the age of artificial intelligence, and how every designer can shape a more thoughtful and sustainable future through their work. The structure of the workshop encouraged experimentation, reflection, and thinking outside the box – not just acquiring knowledge, but living through it together.
Research and International Collaboration
The workshop also included a research component: Aalto University doctoral researcher Heini Haapaniemi conducted a parallel study focusing on the application of drama pedagogy in creative education. The research includes workshop observations, participant responses to pre- and post-workshop online surveys, and qualitative data analysis. The aim of the research is to map how experiential and collaborative learning supports the development and identity formation of young designers.
The Time for (S)heroes project runs from 2024 to 2028 and includes workshops, residencies, and research activities across several European countries. The project involves the Tallinn Business Incubator and is led by the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences – Xamk, in collaboration with various other art universities and creative sector organizations.