The Maltings is thrilled to be working with 13 First, Primary and Middle Schools in North Northumberland on two exciting arts programmes through this academic year.
We’ve been commissioned by Culture Bridge North East (CBNE) to deliver a high quality, artist-led creative engagement programme for pupils and teachers to stimulate participation in cultural learning. CBNE collaborates with cultural organisations and schools across the North East and beyond, to champion culture and the arts as vital childhood experiences and is funded by Arts Council England.
Andrew Garrad, Area Manager (North of Tyne) and Artsmark Lead for Culture Bridge North East said:
“We are delighted to be working with The Maltings on our targeted work in North Northumberland. More than ever, the arts, culture and creativity play a vital role in schools; not only bringing value to teaching and learning, but just as importantly, bringing a bit of joy to young people and their teachers.”
We’re bringing two distinct creative programmes to schools, working with pupils and teachers. For First Schools, we’re working with the highly regarded childrens’ theatre organisations: Starcatchers and Imaginate – who’ve developed Mixed Up with Edinburgh based artist Katy Wilson during lockdown to specifically support very young children’s wellbeing. Mixed Up is aimed at the youngest pupils in school (Reception and Key Stage 1). The programme is supported with a CPD professional development session for teachers led by the artists, followed by a digital and classroom-based, interactive programme, incorporating mixed artforms and lots of fun for the children!
‘Mixed Up’ was part of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival’s Creative Engagement programme and comes to The Maltings this autumn, following a series of performances with Edinburgh schools during the August Festival.
The second programme strand will involve older Primary and Middle School pupils from four schools in the area, working on a visual arts programme inspired by the new exhibition opening in October at The Granary Gallery. Quilts: Resurgence explores the revival of quilt making, taking inspiration from historic practice and showcases the wealth of contemporary work that has developed over the last four decades. Pupils from the 4 schools will visit the exhibition and take part in quilt making workshops led by Textile facilitator Pat Ashton-Smith, and supported by their teachers. The pupils will be able to create their own stitched textiles, infused with contemporary themes, relevant to the pupils.
Val Tobiass, Maltings Learning and Engagement Manager (Schools) said
“After such a difficult time for children over the last 18 months it is wonderful to bring these exciting programmes right into the classroom, enabling us to work with some of the very youngest pupils in schools and help support their well-being.”
Image credit: Starcatchers Mixed Up by Katy Wilson – credit Cagoule TV