AB

I know it is all about choice, but do you have to go into the real world to become somebody!

The idea of the project was to engage a group of young boy students (13 yr olds) in an contemporary arts project, offering out of lesson experiences inspired by a collection of iconic objects (toys), and involving a organic creative process of exploration.  Events have been student-led, the artist, supported by teacher's assistant Bev Jessop, have been exploring ways to unearth thinking outside the box.  13 lads have had fun with a modern art approach to discovering leadership skills, creative thinking, teambuilding, developing confidence in sharing individual and collective creative skills and talents.  The results have been about imaginative storytelling.  

The group was divided into two, Quest 1, choosing to take a Rabbit and Clown on a journey, whilst the other half of the group, Quest 2, decided to become black sheep and explore the ancient rural landscape of Westbury White Horse.  The process involved Jill Carter, artist/photographer documenting scenes, together with students using dig camers, flip video, drawings, writing, performing and journaling.  The response from folk who have engaged in the interventions has revealed huge goodwill in the community.  Rabbit visits, including a trip to the veg shop, cafe, estate agents, chemists, pet shop, vets and butchers, and some time out.  The documentation process has been collective, and it is aimed to eventually all be uploaded on to the new on-line Blog and published into a book as an educational resource.  We have the challenge of bringing this part of the project together, (two days left to work on the scheme), the aim to put together all the work on the newly created Blog, plus have a exhibition in Sept, teachers training sessions are also planned to share the story, with the students being invited to mentor younger students in the next term.  All involved have on an amazing journey! 

The Quest 1 group are planning to visit Create Studios in Swindon on Thurs 7 to record music they have composed to overlay with slideshows and film.  Other creative work includes student documentary images, an on-line photo album with story has been made and we hope this will be a book, a story about the Rabbit who thinks he is rubbish at everything, which could make a great children's story.  Another couple of the lads wanted to present a news desk scenario, with a commentary about what has taken place, and there has been an invitation to link up with a community radio station, Swindon 105.5 on Thursday to spread the word to another community.