Schools across Wales reap benefit of
Barry Art Gallery

TWENTY local school teachers participated in a professional training event at Barry’s Art Central Gallery recently, joining forces to discuss new approaches to teaching the expressive arts.

• Tuesday, 22 January 2019

  Vale of Glamorgan

The teachers – all identified as “Art Champions” by their schools in the Central South area of Wales – came together to share ideas in preparation for the new National Curriculum.

Inspired by the setting, they used the Philip Muirden exhibition at the gallery to discuss how similar spaces and exhibits could be used to inspire creative teaching and learning in their schools.

The event was facilitated by A2Connect, who maintain professional networks and nurture collaboration between teachers of the arts in both primary and secondary schools.

A2Connect is a partnership between Arts Active and regional local authorities, including the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Cardiff, Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil councils, and is supported by the Arts Council of Wales.   

The following Friday morning saw thirty Year 6 pupils from nearby Jenner Park Primary school engage in discussions and close observational studies at the gallery, who responded by creating drawings and compositions that took inspiration from Muirden's images.

Cllr. Bob Penrose, Cabinet Member for Learning and Culture for the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said:

“This is a great example of how, as a Council, we look to collaborate with partners in an effort to innovate and improve our services.

“The event allowed our teachers to share ideas with those from neighbouring local authorities, and go back to their schools and inspire their pupils.
 
“I hope the event proves beneficial to both the teachers present, and pupils across the county who will, I have no doubt, be looking forward to new creative art lessons!”

Art Central Gallery is open to the public Monday - Friday 9:30am-4:30pm and 3:30pm on Saturdays.

The next exhibition of sculptures by Alison Lochhead and digital paintings by Nereya Martinez de Lecea formally opens on Saturday 26 January at 11am.

For further information about professional development or about visiting the gallery with your school, contact the arts Development Service on 01446 709805 or visit: www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.