Pupils to get creative with charity project

Primary school pupils in Harrogate are set to explore their creativity while learning about disability through a new community arts initiative.

Local charity Artizan International is rolling out its free Mosaics for Schools programme across three primary schools over the coming academic year, thanks to a £1956 grant from County Durham-headquartered Banks Group.

The project will see artists with disabilities work alongside year five and year six pupils over six weeks to create mosaic artworks, which will be permanently displayed in their schools.

Alongside developing artistic skills, the programme aims to encourage greater understanding of the talents, experiences and challenges of people living with disabilities.

The funding will cover staffing and materials across all three schools.

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.

“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.”

Founded in 2013, Artizan International supports people with disabilities through creative activities, skills development and community inclusion, delivering programmes in the UK and South America.

Its Harrogate premises provide arts and crafts workshops and workplace training opportunities for more than 50 people with disabilities.

The charity also operates Artizan Café on Cambridge Road, where trainees prepare food with support from staff and volunteers, helping them develop practical skills and confidence.

Jamilah Hassan, community relations manager at the Banks Group, whose community funds are independently managed by Point North, added: “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.”

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