Innovative arts project is underway thanks to funding from ACW and the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust

Race Equality First’s new schools arts project, “Memorable Moments in Our Lives: an artistic exploration of birth marriage and death”, is well underway thanks to funding from ACW and the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust.

The project aims to develop and enhance the artistic skills of children from 10 primary schools in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan and at the same time promote community cohesion through the learning and sharing of information about diverse traditions and cultures.  Arts Project Coordinator, Katrina Willis, is more than halfway through Phase I of the project with the first five participating schools: Cadoxton Primary and Oak Field Primary in Barry, and Mount Stuart Primary, Seven Primary and Willowbrook Primary in Cardiff.  Work with the second five schools will begin next Autumn. 

Children from Years 5 and 6 are learning how to use a variety of art forms to explore how different cultures and traditions mark the significant life occasions of birth, marriage and death.  The works of art produced by the project, including Masks, Five Foot Puppets and Banners will be displayed in a “rolling” Exhibition in the New Year.

Shelagh Maher, Operational Manager at Race Equality First said:

“Thanks to funding from ACW and the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust, this project will enable us develop the artistic skills of children who may not have the chance to access different art forms.  We also hope that it will raise awareness and understanding of the different traditions and cultural practices surrounding birth, marriage and death, and so promote community cohesion and equality “
The Arts Project has also been supported by grants from Cardiff Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council.