Sketchbooks in schools

Sketchbooks in Schools - Introduction to Sketchbooks in Schools - Why Sketchbooks in Schools? - Join in the discussion - be inspired by sketchbook ideas Introduction to Sketchbooks in Schools As part of our Making Matters Campaign, we are planning a project called Sketchbooks in Schools, which aims to promote, inspire and enable the use of sketchbooks as creative tools for all children, and teachers too. We'd like to hear from you if you'd like to get involved in the project, or think the project might be useful in your school. Why Sketchbooks in Schools? Many artists find their work in sketchbooks to be amongst their most rewarding, creative and exciting. Sketchbooks can be a place of collection, experimentation, discovery and revelation. They are a place where the world is filtered, through the eyes, ears and hands of the artist. Sketchbooks are often prized by their owners and become extensions of their creators. Once that level of ownership clicks into place, they become very powerful tools - enabling creativity and helping their owner find a voice. Working in a sketchbook isn't always about "being good" at drawing. Sketchbooks are about developing ideas, and exploring thoughts - and in that way they are accessible to everyone. Sketchbooks not only help users work towards a goal, they also help develop creative personality. Sketchbooks in Schools aims to promote the use of sketchbooks amongst both pupils and teachers (we know teachers want to develop their own creativity too!), across all key stages. Join in the discussion - be inspired by sketchbook ideas We had such a great response from the first call about the project that we have created a blog to brainstorm project ideas. The blog will do many things: Enable you to comment on the project and brainstorm ideas with other teachers/artists. Posting a comment is as easy as typing your comment in the box on the blog page, and pressing submit. No registration is needed. Your comments will help shape the project and make it relevant to you. Keep you up to date with our thoughts and the direction of the project. Every few days we'll post a new thought /idea to get all our creative juices flowing. Send you an email every time a blog is posted. Of course you can visit the blog whenever you like, but if you'd like to register to receive the blog straight to your email inbox whenever a new blog is posted, just register at the blog. Again registration is very simple and of course free. Please note this is a separate registration to receiving general AccessArt information via our free membership. We'll be applying for funding to create a series of resources around the idea of sketchbook, and your input will help us shape the project and make it relevant. Visit the blog here. If you prefer to express your interest in the project or your comments more privately, that's fine too - just e mail us. Many thanks and best regards Paula Briggs Creative Director AccessArt 2008