Funding from the John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust has made it possible for over 40 students from Key Stage 3 to have the chance to take part in an art collaboration and competition with Esther Miles, Artist in Residence as lead practitioner and other specialist facilitators. The art collaboration ‘Our Shared Isolation’ has been devised to respond to the current situation whilst also meeting the aims of our partnership to widen horizons, raise aspirations and create opportunities for young people.
At this difficult time for all young people it will be a chance for them to use self-portraiture as a vehicle to visually unpack aspects of their time in lockdown and the impact of the pandemic on their lives. A chance to explore what they learnt about themselves during this time and learn how the portrait setting affects what it says about us.
Information about the project is detailed below:
Intended outcomes:
- Breakdown boundaries and create a greater sense of community
- Communication skills developed through the need to express their ideas and emotions
- Develop new skills in presenting, critical thinking and film making
- A boost to confidence through being part of something outside of school
- Aspirations raised through meeting artists, funders, attending gallery space for exhibition
Expectations of students taking part:
A commitment to take part in each stage of the project (one live, and four recorded sessions between January and March 2021).
A commitment to submit a final piece and their ideas board by the agreed date.
Attend the exhibition launch (if restrictions allow).
Artist in Residence support:
Esther Miles will run each stage of the project and will be available to students via email (and later on in the process via TEAMS video calls should it be required) to support and guide those involved.
Esther is fully DBS checked and happy to be contacted at any stage by students who will be asked to copy in their teacher to all communications.
The competition element:
In support of the student’s final piece, the judges will want to see an A3 ideas board and a filmed two-minute verbal presentation of their piece.
The prize:
The winner will receive a photo shoot with acclaimed portrait photographer Ben Anker and a framed print.
The runners up (one from each school) will receive art supplies and certificates.
Grant funding and exhibition partner:
We have received Grant Funding for this project from The John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust and secured the Canterbury Auction Galleries as our exhibition partner.