Children at three Harrogate primary schools will work alongside disabled artists as part of a charity’s free mosaic-making programme.
Artizan International’s Mosaics for Schools project will see Year Five and Six pupils create artwork over six weeks, with the finished pieces staying at their schools to be displayed.
The programme aims to help children develop a greater understanding of disabled people’s talents and abilities, as well as the challenges they face.
A £1,956 grant from the Banks Group will cover staffing and materials, with the charity now identifying schools to take part during the coming academic year.
Liz Cluderay, chief executive at 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.
“Primary school children may not yet have had the chance to spend much time with people with disabilities and we aim to use art as a way of helping them build their understanding about them as both people and creative artists.
“It’s a real creative journey for everyone involved, and our experience is that, while the first week can sometime be awkward as everyone starts to get to know each other, the artists and children quickly begin to work very well together.”
Founded in 2013, Artizan International supports disabled people through arts, skills training and opportunities in social enterprise and hospitality, with programmes in the UK and South America.
Its Harrogate premises provide therapeutic arts and crafts workshops and workplace skills training for more than 50 disabled people from across the region.
Food at its Artizan Café on Cambridge Road is made by trainees with support from staff and volunteers.
Liz added:
“As a Harrogate-based charity, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead for young people in our home community and are now working to identify the schools that will be taking part this year.
“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:
“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.”
The Banks Group’s community funds are independently managed by Point North.
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