CONNECTING CULTURES
An initiative to foster creativity, friendship and cross-cultural learning between children from two ethnically diverse schools in Leicestershire. Lightseekers worked with over 100 students (aged 8-11) from Harby Church of England School in Melton Mowbray & Abbey Primary School in Belgrave, Leicester. The project was ambitious in its scope and took place between September and October 2015.
Students participated in a series of workshops and family photographs were used to inspire written stories about personal heroes. Children learned creative writing and storytelling whilst building visual, emotional literacy and interpersonal skills. Sessions were carried out over several weeks, during which students worked with a storyteller, haiku artist and illustrator. They also worked with a book maker to write, draw and bind personal memories into a handmade books, using recycled cardboard, donated books and saris.
The project concluded with an exhibition at the Peepul Centre, Leicester where the children came together again to celebrate their achievements with the artists and organisers. Student’s artworks were printed onto one of three spectacular fabric tapestries and prizes were awarded for selected categories such as storytelling, drawing, book making and mindfulness. The three tapestries feature work from all children involved in the project and will be donated to the schools.
Date
October 27, 2015