Artists in Residence

In terms of furthering and developing Art within schools, the prospect of a visiting artist is an important and exciting one. Having the stimulus of an artist extends the children's experience and raises expectations. A multitude of outcomes are possbile, usually completed to a very high standard owing to the extra motivation and enthusiasm generated by such visits.

Artists offer possibilities for creative work that extend beyond the normal range, thereby offering the 'value added' component sought by many establishments. Art departments find it possible to broaden the context to involve the whole school. Artists in Residence will generate great celebration for art by:

Setting up lively and colourful exhibitions of their own personal work in school.

Demonstrating their own special abilities, with specialist equipment, knowledge and skills.

Producing painting, sculpture, construction, jewellery, costume, ceramics, textiles, photography, computer graphics, stained-glass windows etc. with the children.

Using and describing different materials, tools, and techniques; sometimes from different cultures and different eras.

Creating feelings of success and fulfilment when the work is finished and exhibited.

Providing the incentive to continue the work across the curriculum.

Links between artists and schools enhances learning through the sharing of experiences, perceptions, cultural backgrounds and working methods. Artists will bring a realisation of the process involved from initial conception to final outcome, and onwards towards the presentation and consumption of the work in galleries and the reactions of a wider audience.

Schools will have different requirements, and will enjoy different opportunities. Care must be taken to match practicalities, abilities and needs in order to build effective partnerships, co-ordinating, liaising and supporting during the period of the residency. Artists in Residence will provide an enlightened and sensitive view of a wider world of art.