Project aimed at inspiring creativity launched at leading arts centre (From Times Series)

Prince of Wales project aimed at inspiring creativity and backed by BBC Radio 4 presenter James Naughtie is launched at artsdepot in North Finchley

1:30pm Friday 1st October 2010 in News By Kevin Bradford

A CHILDREN'S art project for north London was launched at a theatre in North Finchley yesterday.

Almost 500 primary school pupils from across the borough were introduced to the Start programme, which aims to inspire creativity in youngsters living in economically deprived areas or who have literacy or learning issues.

They were shown a production of The Bug and The Butterfly, by Peut-être Theatre company, at artsdepot, in Tally Ho, which they will form the basis for creating a piece of visual art on the theme of big and small.

Organisers say exposure to the arts helps improve personal and communications skills, increases confidence and self-esteem, as well as developing their academic and creative skills.

Laurrel Ashton, development director at The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts, which devised the project, said: “The purpose of the programme is to work with regional arts organisations who then work with schools they didn't previously have a relationship with, and take the arts to children for the first time.

“It promotes the benefits of working outside the classroom to get children into an arts venue for the first time and from that, do workshops both in the classroom and at the venue.

“The success of the programme relies on having strong arts partners across the country.”

The programme is working in partnership with 214 schools in the UK alongside 38 arts organisations which offer expertise not only in art but in music, design, dance and drama.

Pupils in the borough will work with a professional artist to create a piece of art which will be exhibited in artsdepot's gallery during December and January.

The five to 11-year-olds were able to draw further inspiration for their artworks from entomologist Pete Dawson, who brought along his selection of bugs for the children to see.

Kerry Andrews, head of programming at artsdepot, said: “It is a fantastic project working with kids in the arts. We wanted something that provided inspiration for the visual arts work that follows.

“The show incorporates poetry so there was different avenues for the teachers to pursue. The moment the children start to learn is when they get back to the classroom. It is nice that it becomes a multi-art form which can unleash their wider imagination.”

A report has been commissioned to look at the benefits the Start project provides to pupils in terms of academic and personal development.

BBC Radio 4 presenter and journalist James Naughtie is an ambassador for the Prince of Wales backed programme, and is passionate about the prospect of making art appealing and accessible to school pupils.

He said: “Like a lot of the best ideas, it is simple and it works.

“The curriculum is so crowded that quite often there are things children don't get access to which could transform their experiences at a young age. It can be the beginning of an interest in art or music and in a small way can open up a vista for the children that will make them think about things differently and in a way they might not otherwise have done.

“There is a precious quality in being able to touch, feel and hear the arts at close quarters. This project is about avoiding the impoverishment of the imagination.”