We are slowly winding down after a great project...we've been collecting quotes and comments throughout and here are more that have come our way through email, formal evaluation and comments books....all this is helpful when it comes to reporting to our funders and supporters and helps us make our case when we begin planning the next project ...thank you to everyone who has visited us along the way and had anything to say about Green Room.Here is a short video from the St Mary's Exhibition. The schools sent representatives to see the show and they gave us their thoughts and memories about the project..our thanks to Bob Qazi for his interviews and and to the participants for their comments. This piece will feature on the Hospice's own website as an example of their links with the community and its young people.
https://vimeo.com/192443761
The next comments come from our schools. I won't be the only working artist who recognises these accounts, or who had a similar encounter with the arts and artists through such sympathetic, creative and committed teachers during their own childhood.
Clearly, this stuff matters. If the arts become a peripheral activity in schools, children suffer.
Restrict their imaginations and you restrict their options.
"One of the little girls in my class lacks in confidence and can find it difficult to build relationships with classmates. She finds English and Maths related activities challenging and as a result can often give up and feel disengaged. From session 1, the girl in question was enthused about the idea of an arts project. She was happy to work alongside class members and as the sessions went on she began to develop stronger working relationships with the children she was working alongside. With art and design being an area she was passionate about, it was a great opportunity to build her communication skills and enthusiasm for other subjects. It was lovely to see her suggesting ideas and helping her peers whilst contributing confidently to the whole project." (Participating School Staff)
"Working with professional artists was beneficial both for using their knowledge and skills, but also as an inspiration for children who would like to be artists as a career."(Participating School Staff)
"Collaborative
working on a single project was excellent for promoting SMSC skills
(Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural)...
(other benefits;)..working
with artists and craftspeople directly.....
Time – luxury of copious time to work on a single project and immerse artistic skills.
Self-esteem – proud of working on such a successful project and the amazing results.
Confidence – increased confidence to participate in different activities should lead to reduced anxiety in the future." ( Participating school Staff)
" Well defined and thoughtfully planned..helpfull support and collaboration as well as excellent resources available. I was proud to be part of this project" (Commissioned Artist)
"A wonderful experience and a pleasure to work with you" (Venue Management)
" The quality from all concerned is inspirational..a body of work which has depth and breadth..a rich and valuable project which has clearly been exceptionally well delivered."(Exhibition visitor)
Thank you, one and all.
