In January 2016, Turner Contemporary launches Art Inspiring Change, an innovative and unique project that will enable primary school children to take the lead in order to transform areas in Margate.

Over an 18 month period, Art Inspiring Change will work with 80 pupils from four primary schools in Margate, leading the creative regeneration of chosen disused areas, each within a close proximity to their school.

Pupils from Holy Trinity and St John’s Primary School, Northdown Primary School, Palm Bay Primary School and Salmestone Primary School will work with the support of their parents, teachers, Turner Contemporary’s philosopher-in-residence Ayisha de Lanerolle and members of Turner Contemporary’s Learning Team to transform their neighbourhoods with creativity.

Nurturing their leadership, communication and negotiation skills, Art Inspiring Change will empower children to gain permission for land to regenerate and inspire land owners. Working with artists, participating pupils will learn to share their skills, inspiring their peers at school, family at home and friends in their communities.

Launching on Friday 8 January 2016 through a playful interview process, the pupils themselves selected four artists from a shortlist of applicants. Holy Trinity and St John’s Primary School will work and artist Emily Motto, Northdown Primary School will work with artist Sam Curtis, Palm Bay Primary School will work with artist Bethany Mitchell and Salmestone Primary School will work with artist Adam James.

Iman, a pupil at Holy Trinity and St John Primary School, said about the interview process:

“I loved it all – It was ‘futurous’… that means a dream come true!”

As part of Art Inspiring Change, Turner Contemporary will also be leading a 15 week Creative Enablers course certified by the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) at each primary school, designed to help parents support all participating children. This Creative Enablers course has generously been supported by the Art Fund.

Sarah Philp, Head of Programmes at the Art Fund, said:

“We are so pleased to support Turner Contemporary to develop and deliver the pioneering Creative Enablers project as part of the Art Inspiring Change initiative.  In backing the Creative Enablers we are investing in the future of museums through extending our support for projects which provide innovative museum-based training opportunities, help museums build new audiences and advocates, and encourage as many people as possible to connect with and enjoy great art.”

Art Inspiring Change is led by Turner Contemporary and funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Southeastern is the lead sponsor for Art Inspiring Change and Turner Contemporary’s 2016 season, supporting Margate and East Kent’s regeneration through its generosity and time.

Art Inspiring Change is part of Turner Contemporary’s ongoing commitment to helping people see, think and learn differently by engaging with art in new ways and to the continued regeneration of Margate.

Turner Contemporary would be grateful to any local residents and businesses who wanted to support children participating in Art Inspiring Change. If you are able to assist by donating time, any materials or building skills, Art Inspiring Change Co-ordinator Nikki Hildesley via learn@turnercontemporary.org.

The Art Inspiring Change participants will facilitate creative activities and workshops for their schools, families and communities at Turner Contemporary on Saturday 11 June 2016.