An artist with a PhD in play reveals why fun is not just for the young

Tine Bech is a Danish artist who has a PhD in play and has made a career out of creating fun, physical, interactive art that encourages people of all ages to get playful.

She says it’s more than just an amusing and enjoyable way to pass the time.

“I really love what I do. I’m a quite playful person,” Bech tells SBS.

“We do know from science that there are certain things that play definitely does for us. One of the most important things is that, from a more academic point of view, it enables us to be emotionally intelligent.

“If we play we learn how to be with other people, how to socialise, we learn to connect, so it has that ability to create social bonds. They also talk a lot about how play enables you to adapt. We are the most playful species. We have adapted super well. And some other species, some animals, that are very good at adapting are very good players.”

…Bech believes coming from a playful family has helped shape her approach to play, as has growing up in a country like Denmark.

Read the interview. Published in SBS (Special Broadcasting Service), Australia, 25 Aug. 2017.