Pupils of seven schools across Ellesmere Port and Neston were among others which showcased their artwork.
The event, entitled ‘A Window on the World’, took place in Chester Cathedral and was organised by Ellesmere Port-based community interest company Edsential.
Local schools taking part were The Acorns Primary and Nursery, Pooltown Road, Ellesmere Port, Hinderton School, Capenhurst Lane, Ellesmere Port, Neston Primary, Burton Road, Neston, St Saviour’s Catholic Primary, Seacombe Drive, Great Sutton, Willaston Church of England Primary, Neston Road, Willaston, Wolverham Primary and Nursery, Milton Road, Ellesmere Port and Woodfall Primary, Woodfall Lane, Little Neston.
Edsential says the project provided the opportunity for young people in primary and special schools to work with an artist in residence over a two-day period and produce high quality pieces of artwork.
This was then displayed in the exhibition.
Ian McGrady, managing director of Edsential, said: “This exhibition was a culmination of the work that was produced during the entitlement project.
“The exhibition sought to emphasise a child’s entitlement to a rich art and design experience.
“The entitlement project allowed pupils to work alongside a professional artist in depth in a school setting and to work imaginatively and creatively in a collaborative context.”
He described the work on display as ‘truly superb’.
Mr McGrady continued: “As a community interest company all the money we make is used to invest in improving our services to achieve our mission of improving outcomes for children and young people.
“Edsential aims to encourage young people to explore their artistic and creative potential.
“We believe passionately that the range of services we offer provides an inspiring range of opportunities that all contribute to raising standards in attainment and to developing young people.”
Pupils worked with 10 artists to produce high quality artwork in different mediums including painting, drawing, textiles, ceramics, mixed media and 3D work.
Edsential says it helps to deliver a comprehensive approach to the creative and performing arts by providing residential courses that excite and engage, teaching in schools that raises attainment and arts festivals and exhibitions that promote community engagement and celebration.
The entitlement project supported the curriculum, the Arts Award range of qualifications and gave schools the relevant exhibiting experience for working towards ArtsMark, an award which celebrates schools that champion the arts and strive for excellence in their provision.
Applications for next year’s art entitlement project are open now. For more information, schools can email Hello@Edsential.co.uk or call 01248 714501.
