Primary school pupils in Harrogate will work alongside disabled artists to create mosaic artwork as part of a free educational programme funded by a £1,956 grant from the Banks Group.
Artizan International will deliver its Mosaics for Schools programme in three local primary schools during the coming academic year, pairing artists with disabilities with Year Five and Six pupils for six-week projects.
The children will work with the artists to design and create mosaics that their schools can keep and display. The programme aims to encourage creativity while helping pupils develop a better understanding of disability, including the abilities and talents of disabled people and the challenges they may face.
The Banks Group grant will cover staffing and materials for the projects, allowing the charity to plan the programme without having to secure the funding separately for each school.
Art brings pupils and artists together
Liz Cluderay, chief executive of Artizan International, said the programme had been one of the charity’s most successful projects, with completed artwork already on display in schools across the region.
Liz Cluderay, chief executive of Artizan International, said: This programme has been one of our most successful projects over the years and there are already some wonderful pieces of art on display in schools around the region, ranging from stepping stones and friendship benches through to welcome boards and even a playground wall.
She said the workshops use art to help children build relationships with disabled people and recognise them as both individuals and creative artists.
Liz Cluderay said: It’s a real creative journey for everyone involved, and our experience is that, while the first week can sometimes be awkward as everyone starts to get to know each other, the artists and children quickly begin to work very well together.
The charity is currently identifying the schools that will take part in this year’s programme.
Liz Cluderay said: As a Harrogate-based charity, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead for young people in our home community. Having this funding in place at the start of the new school year means we’re able to plan ahead without worrying about how we’re going to pay for the project, so we’re really grateful to Banks for giving us the chance to make it happen.
Jamilah Hassan, community relations manager at the Banks Group, said the programme would create new opportunities for children and disabled artists.
Jamilah Hassan, community relations manager at the Banks Group, said: Artizan International’s exciting programme will give both local children and disabled artists a range of new creative and social opportunities, and we’re really pleased to be getting behind the work of such an innovative charity.
About Artizan International
Founded in 2013, Artizan International aims to support people with disabilities to develop skills, access opportunities and build fulfilling, independent futures. Its work includes social enterprise, hospitality and community inclusion projects in the UK and South America.
Its Harrogate premises provide arts and crafts workshops and workplace skills training for more than 50 people with disabilities from across the region. The charity also operates Artizan Café on Cambridge Road, where food is prepared by trainees with support from staff and volunteers.
The Banks Group’s community funds are independently managed by Point North.