Arts @ Home Kits

In January 2021, a new variant of C-19 emerged causing the UK to go into lockdown.  This affected child of non-key working families who were required to learn from home.  Bradford council offered funding to design a creative response.  The aim was to create non-digital activities that would promote family participation whilst boosting pride and ownership of Thornton.

A remote activity pack and Zine were handed to home-schooled children in BD13 and 14.  The Zine incorporated fun drawing challenges that aimed to develop observational and sketching skills based on the national curriculum. The kit included 3 grades of pencil, paper, eraser and pencil sharpener, as well as a safety mirror. Families were able to collect the kits from the centre or from the Art Club tutor. 

The packs had a focus on local heritage, which is not currently studied under the school curriculum. The participants also learnt about a historical artist WB Tapp whose landscape paintings were exhibited in many places of distinction, including Cartwright Hall.

For South Square this was also an opportunity to expand our audiences and forge some new relationships with organisations which are on our doorstep. 

A total of 170 packs were distributed across the Bradford district to families who were in receipt of free school meals support, to families who were electively home-schooling and to Clayton Art Club, St James Church, and Cafe West in Allerton.

Luke Hogan demonstrated the Zine online to his Clayton Art Club members, which reaches over 400 members.  The sketch along was a real success and the video is still online to view for those that missed it.

The project was funded as part of the Response 2 grant from Bradford Council.