To find out how to contribute to this exciting new collection of artwork created by children at primary Foundation, Keystage 1 & 2 and special needs simply download the flyer.

The competition will culminate in a Summer Exhibition at Play Resource.  The final exhibition will give members Ideas & Inspiration as to how the wealth of scrap materials available from Play Resource can be used as a fun, vibrant, free source of creativity, arts, play and education.

We hope to encourage future generations of artists too by getting them started young! Deadline for entries is Wednesday 31 March 2010 at 5pm.

Date & Time: Saturday 8 May, 10am – 3.30pm
Venue: Training Room, Play Resource
Cost: £5 per workshop, if you book 3 get 4th session free.
Open to: members only, suitable for adults.
Booking: in advance is required for any workshop session.

Full details of the workshop schedule and booking form to follow, so keep the date free in your diary!

Inductions are friendly and informal, run on a drop-in basis every Thursday morning at 10am, commencing on 7th January.  Take advantage of this new service and receive a warm welcome on these chilly winter mornings!

The aim of this course is to build artistic skills and confidence, to help develop creativity and generate new ideas for those working (or wishing to) work with community groups.  Entry requirements: No formal qualifications are necessary to join the course, Level 1 is an advantage but not a necessity.  Anyone who has already successfully completed the first two units can come back again to work towards the L2 Award in Art.

For full course details download the flyer. If you think this course is for you register now or for further information call 9035 7545 or email aokane@belfastmet.ac.uk

Keep it handy; wear it loud and proud and in one easy move you are helping to protect the environment and spread the word about Play Resource!  We think they are gorgeous…. what do you think?!

The sessions on Youth Curriculum Training facilitated by the Curriculum Development Unit www.youthworkni.org.uk gave staff and artists insight into working in the youth sector and a greater understanding of the Youth Curriculum.  It also provided a forum for participants to share their own experience and insight gained from working on arts projects in the youth sector.

A series of Child Protection Training sessions were run by the Keeping Safe Project for those working with children and young people.  This training was tailored for artists and Play Resource staff with each session very well attended, demonstrating the importance placed on having an awareness of such issues.  It was invaluable for anyone having to design or implement Child Protection Policy and Guidelines.  If you wish to organise free Child Protection and Safeguarding Training for a community or voluntary group in Belfast contact Sheina Rigg on 9056 5310.

The comprehensive report looks at: the operational effectiveness and policy relevance of the programme, how it meets the needs of members and funders in equal measure.  The quality of life outcomes section makes interesting reading as it is often difficult to quantify the value of the arts in this context.  Gaining qualitative feedback from participants in their own words as to the value of the programme has been very useful to Play Resource.  Last but by no means least; it addresses just how the arts programme offers value for money.

You are most welcome to read the report in full.  Or for a snapshot of the findings simply look at Section 8.7 of the Evaluation Report.  Play Resource is very proud of the conclusions of this evaluation and keen to embrace the recommendations made in the document so that we can keep improving the arts programme on offer to members.

Going Slow Exhibition, By Jim Russell

Going Slow is a photography exhibition by artist Jim Russell exploring the beauty and diversity of the natural world around us – if only we took the time to slow down and see it!  This series of photographs are the direct result of a year when Jim allowed himself the time to slow down and see the small things to be found in hedgerows, canal banks or waste ground around his hometown of Newry.  The exhibition certainly encourages everyone to do the same and explore the mini jungles on our own doorsteps and surely provides a wealth of inspiration for other arts projects!

Jim Russell is a regular contributor to Creative Paths projects and a highly experienced community artist with a collaborative approach who enjoys incorporating modeling, digital photography, music and story telling to his work.  Prints from the exhibition are available for only £20.  To find out more contact Jim on 028 3026 5990 or 07521 306 372.

They looked at the history of mosaics and modern day applications.  The finished pieces are a creative take on traditional mosaics that incorporate everyday and found objects to create beautiful and fun 3D effects.

In Katie’s world anything can be transformed into Art: hundreds of everyday objects find a new lease of life.  Take a closer look at the dragon and you will see it is made up of thousands of discarded children’s toys!

The modern flotsam and jetsam of society is salvaged and reinvented by Katie.  The Dragon, originally commissioned by the Island Arts Centre for their Children’s Arts Festival, grew and grew with the contribution of several other artists who volunteered their time including Ben Allen, Frank Quinn, Bobbi Rai Purdy and Susan Scott. Along with Katie several of them are regular contributing artists to the Creative Paths Arts Programme.

For more information about Katie’s work as a community artist and artworks for sale visit www.katieblue.com.