The idea
The Indoor Art Garden will contain sculpture, textiles and 2D artwork including painting and photography. The project will be co-delivered by artists and children who will work together to bring the children's ideas to life.
The garden will have a seating area so that children can have a space for reflection and relaxation. It will be used as a play area during wet weather, as a space to promote friendships and tackle problems such as bullying, and as an area for creative activities.
The area will be used for community sessions that will bring visiting schools and parents into the school to participate in creative activities. This will help to foster relationships by spending quality time together in a unique environment.
The garden will be situated in a key area of the school so that it is visible to staff, pupils, parents and visitors - this will give the children involved a real sense of pride and achievement as their work will be central to the school environment.
What we'll deliver
- Create a beautiful environment for relaxation
- Involve the children in the whole process
- Bring the community into the school to enjoy the space
Why it's a great idea
This project will give the children a truly unique location in the school that has been designed and created by them, with the support of artists. The Mill Primary Academy already has a dedicated art studio within the school (part of the international Room 13 project) that is run with the help of a committee of children who have a wide range of responsibilities from ordering stock to fundraising.
Giving the children creative freedom has seen tangible results:
- increased confidence & self esteem (the adults in the school value my ideas and opinions)
- increased motivation (if I get my work done I can do some art)
- increased sense of calm ('making art is a way for me to let go of all my worries')
The Art Garden will be a special place within the school where children can relax and connect with their parents, teachers and other children whilst carrying out creative activities.
Steps to get it done
- Planning the Indoor Art Garden with the children
- Planning a timeline for the projects and purchasing materials
- Commencing work on the Art Garden
- Opening the Art Garden to the children
- Holding our first community event - inviting parents to the Art Garden
