Watergate Productions will work with schools to inspire children to visit art galleries by offering a series of lively "Meet the Artist" talks and creative workshops run by professional, contemporary, leading artists. These will be delivered through gallery visits from Lache Schools to Watergate Street Gallery. Children will get a unique insight into the workings of a professional gallery whilst meeting the UK's top artists. This includes a fabulous mini art session to create their own masterpiece working alongside the artist who will demonstrate their modern, creative techniques. We aim to develop children's confidence to visit further galleries by providing a memorable experience that also introduces the wellbeing benefits art can bring to everybody. Held in a creatively stimulating venue this visit combines fun, education and real life connections that will break down social barriers to demonstrate art is accessible to all.

What we'll deliver:

• Plan the project
• Aquire funding for the project.
• Work with schools in the Lache Chester and organise gallery visits for the for children aged 9 to 11
• Work with leading UK artists to develop inspiring fun talks for the children.
• Work with the artists, school and creative team to create an art session that excites and educates.
• Create a warm and inspiring reception at the gallery for children visiting.
• Document presentations for future educational use.
• Document creative project participation and plan for future educational use..
• Organise an exhibition of all childrens art work at the gallery
• Invite parents to the gallery for coffee and cake, meet the artist and see their childrens artwork on display

Why it's a great idea:

This project provides a valuable and unique opportunity for children primarily in deprived communities to be inspired to visit art galleries introducing the benefits art can bring to lives. It benefits education as the artist talk and interaction with the children will inform them about contemporary art and artists lives. It benefits schools as an educational tool as they can access the documented talks and workshops for other classes and years. It tackles the cost of living crisis in schools by offering free, modern, educational experiences to children as well as enabling parents to participate. It has a low environmental impact and supports the use of upcycling and environmentally friendly materials. It helps children to gain the confidence to visit galleries in a fun and informative way and breaks down social barriers in deprived communities. The creative activity in the workshop will introduce them to the wellbeing benefits art can bring to everybody.

Steps to get it done:

• Plan dates with schools
• Fix dates with available artists and do dbs checks
• Get artists and schools contracts returned
• Plan creative workshops and gallery welcome
• Purchase all materials and equipment needed
• Document educational material
• Feedback and evaluation - review project outcomes and discuss with schools

As well as inspiring young children to participate in visual arts and gallery visits it also supports social inclusion. This will reach children from deprived and poverty areas who would not usually have the opportunity to visit galleries and meet artists and can help to offer a better start in life. These visits will documented for educational resources and offered to schools throughout the region, as educational material. This will include question and answer interview with the artist, notes for teachers on how to do the art project and some insight into how an art gallery works.