Artistic kids exhibit work as part of project

Community arts organisation Mosaic teamed up with Batley Girls’ High School and sponsor Cummins Turbo Technologies to give youngsters the chance to experience visual arts learning that would not be accessible during curriculum time.

It aims to introduce them to new art mediums and skills as well as encouraging them to enjoy their creativity.

Professional artists visited schools in Batley and Birstall to run workshops before pupils’ work was taken to Batley Art Gallery to form part of an exhibition that will be open throughout the summer holiday. After a successful pilot scheme last year, children were once again offered activities which link to the science and technology curriculum, and produced artwork themed around topics such as animal habitats, light, forces, plant life cycles and electricity.

Eleven schools were involved, including Upper Batley High, Batley Parish Junior and Infant, Fieldhead Primary, Field Lane Junior and Infant, Hyrstmount Junior, Lydgate Junior and Infant, Mill Lane Primary, Park Road Junior and Infant, Staincliffe Junior and Windmill Primary. One class per school took part.

Members of the public can visit the exhibition until September 3 and view each group’s artwork inspired by their chosen scientific topic.

Organisers also arranged for all pupils to visit the gallery to see their own work and that of other schools. Cummins, who are the project’s official science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) partner, have committed to funding and supporting Change in 2017.