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Community collaboration brings local art to the National Stage

A day trip to London is exciting enough, but a day trip to London to see your own artwork on display in the National Portrait Gallery? Pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Grangetown have truly won!

The budding artists were treated to a visit to the capital to see their work on display in the prestigious gallery, and it was an experience that no one will be in a hurry to forget. 

The adventure was born from a partnership between St Mary’s and the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) as part of its award-winning People Powered: Stories from the River Tees project.

A full gallery tour followed by high tea

The special London edition of the exhibition highlights powerful portraits and stories from communities around the Tees that were originally curated by MIMA, and won the Heritage category at the 2023 North East Culture Awards.

The exhibition featured Game Over, an installation reimagining local wildlife through mosaic-style artwork and created by St Mary’s children in collaboration with local artist Diane Watson.

MIMA paid for six children, along with head of school Nick Bennett and staff Nina Rowling, Ancy Norman and Paula Hunton, to visit the capital and see the exhibition they contributed to. The party was led by the gallery’s learning curator, Claire Pounder.

After a warm welcome and a full tour of the gallery, they were treated to high tea in the venue’s restaurant, Larry’s. What a treat indeed! Not stopping there, the lucky group then took in the sights of central London, including Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. They were even entertained by magic tricks performed by the ticket inspector during their train journey… 

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up”

St Mary’s executive Head Teacher Anna McClurey said: “It’s been amazing for the children to work so closely with MIMA and a special thrill to see their artwork displayed in the National Portrait Gallery, alongside pieces by famous artists.

“They all had a fantastic day, and I’m sure it will be an experience they’ll cherish for the rest of their lives.”

Four years in the making, the original exhibition explored the connections between people, storytelling and the River Tees. It ran at MIMA last year, supported by the National Portrait Gallery and key local partners. The centrepiece, River Portraits, includes 33 photographic works by Gilmar Ribeiro and stories captured in soundscape by music duo A Man Called Adam.

Dr Laura Sillars, dean of culture and creativity at Teesside University and director of MIMA, said: “Teesside University is at the heart of cultural developments in the North-East and is growing its international reputation as a groundbreaking creative institution. This Special Edit display is a perfect new stage in our collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery.” 

Encouraging self-expression and embracing diversity

St Mary’s, which is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, is part of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT). CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “NPCAT recognises the importance of exposing children to art and galleries in primary education. Our mission resonates strongly with the words of the artist Pablo Picasso, who said, Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.’

“We acknowledge the belief that early exposure to art can nurture creativity, imagination and an appreciation of beauty that lasts a lifetime. By bringing art into primary education, we help children see the world from different perspectives, encouraging them to express themselves and appreciate the diversity of human experience.”

The original exhibition at MIMA, which is part of Teesside University, welcomed more than 37,000 visitors.

Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “”What an incredible opportunity for our young artists! Seeing their work displayed in a prestigious London gallery is a moment they’ll cherish forever.

This experience will undoubtedly inspire our students to continue exploring their creativity. It’s a testament to their talent and a source of immense pride for our school community.”

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is a Schools North East Partner School . If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.

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