Face to Face

'Children's Choice' - Art Alongside Project 2004-2005

This year Art Alongside intends to work in a more child centred way, by facilitating the children in their selection of the theme for the main project.

Art Alongside will commence with 4 sessions of skill-based workshops, during which time the artists will draw out ideas for project themes from the children. The artists will then take 2 weeks out of schools to prepare and plan the main project on the basis of the children's ideas.

The artists will return to the schools with planned projects for a further 14 weeks.

It is intended that a selection of work from each school will be exhibited in a county-wide exhibition at an appropriate venue, alongside the works of professional artists based on the same theme.

For the 2003/2004 programme entitled 'Down to Earth', a very successful partnership was established with the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). Art Alongside will be working with IMMA again this year by linking in with their collection for the final exhibition.

Project Schedule
Children's Choice will commence during the week of the 10th October, 2004, and run until the week ending the 8th April, 2005. The county-wide exhibition will be held during May 2005.

Age RangeThe project is designed primarily for 5th and 6th classes, but can be adapted to include younger children in schools where they are in combined classes with 5th and 6th.

The project entails working with one class in the morning, and one class in the afternoon, unless a particular arrangement has been made in the school.

Criteria for school selection

• Geographical spread
• Rural and urban mix
• Whole school support
• Suitable physical space
• Commitment, interest and enthusiasm of staff, Board of Management and Parent's Association
• Commitment to meeting the cost of participation

Participating Schools 2004 - 2005

Gusserane National School, Gusserane, New Ross, Co. Wexford
Tombrack National School, Ferns, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
St. Senan's National School, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Ballyfad National School, Gorey, Co. Wexford
Barntown National School, Barntown, Co. Wexford
Rathangan NS, Rathangan, Duncormick, Co. Wexford
Oylegate N.S., Oylegate, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford