Art Inspiring Change: Kids TAKE OVER at Turner Contemporary, Margate

Earlier this month, children took charge of Turner Contemporary in Margate, for an Art Inspiring Change-Kids TAKEOVER Day.

Between January 2016 and July 2017, Turner Contemporary are working with eighty children from four local Primary Schools – Holy Trinity & St John’s Primary School, Northdown Primary School, Palm Bay Primary School and Salmestone Primary School. The Young Art Leaders (YALs) will be supported by their chosen artists, a philosopher and gallery staff to inspire the whole town to engage with art. The vision of the project is positive transformation of Margate through physical and social change.

As part of the project, 40 parents and/or carers will take part in an accredited Creative Enabler course, giving them the practical, listening, thinking, and communication skills to help enable children to take the lead.

Attracting over 2000 visitors to the gallery, attendees saw the space as never before – experiencing the world through children’s eyes. They were immersed in four magical worlds created by the kids: Weird World, Bread World, The Dan McChicken and Glory McFlurry Wildlife Programme, and Daydream Land.

Artswork attended the day with an information stand on Arts Award and digital opportunities and activities for children and young people.

A message from the new bosses (aged 6 – 10):

“Come and play, get involved, get messy, sing loudly, have fun, eat ice cream.”

“Help us to celebrate our brilliant project – we are going to make Margate even better!”

“Bring your family and friends.”

“Enter our Weird World through a giant Play-Doh arch, play with your food and make animals out of bread, take part in The Dan McChicken and Glory McFlurry Wildlife Programme and let your imagination throw the dice in Daydream Land.”

“It’s about learning about the magic of art. Art can be music, a model… really anything!” (Thay, Year 2, Palm Bay Primary School)

“This is what school should be like.” (Phoebe, Year 3, Salmestone Primary School)

“We’re taking over the Turner… We’re taking over the gallery… We’re taking over the WORLD!” (Mya and Emily, Year 3, Holy Trinity & St. John’s Primary School)

“I learn new things every time, it’s fun and we try new techniques.” (John, Year 5, Northdown Primary School)

Turner Contemporary is very grateful for the support of The Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Art Fund and Southeastern.

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Arts Award South East Bridge