MAPS exhibition: Making art in partnership with schools

A short run exhibition by some of Jersey’s school pupils.

The MAPS exhibition is the result of the work created by young people who took part in the MAPS (Making Art in Partnership with Schools) project, an initiative that is delivered across Island schools in partnership between the Department for Children, Young People, Education & Skills (CYPES) and ArtHouse Jersey, supported by the Government of Jersey through the Covid – 19 Health & Social Recovery Fund. Its aim is to build partnerships between professional artists in Jersey and local schools. The MAPS exhibition will share the Capital House arts space with ArtHouse Jersey’s current show, Playtime by Will Lakeman.

The art on display has been made by pupils aged between 4 and 18. The work is mixed media including textiles, paintings, digital art, sculpture and assemblage.

The exhibition is a celebration of the unique work created by the participating students. It also highlights how different curriculum topics can be strengthened through the arts where students have engaged in experiential learning, observation and reflection.

Schools that contributed artwork to this particular exhibition include Highlands College Creative Arts, Le Rocquier School, Jersey College for Girls, D’Auvergne School, St Martin’s School, Grouville School, Samares School. Plat Douet School collaborated with L’Office du Jèrriais.

Making Art in Partnership with Schools Teachers and artists have worked collaboratively to develop a unique, jointly planned, creative art curriculum project to achieve excellent outcomes for pupils of all ages.

Between 2022 and the end of 2023 sixteen schools will have had the opportunity to engage with the MAPS program. Participating artists come from different disciplines, have a strong foundation in art and design and are committed to their own creative practice. They are able to bring experience and artistic skills directly into the classroom, exciting pupils with their passion for the arts, whilst sharing a depth of knowledge to support teaching staff.

Working in partnership provides an enriched experience for pupils as they are able to explore new mediums, techniques, processes, vocabulary and evaluative skills. MAPS allows both teacher and artist to exchange expertise, explore praxis, model peer to peer learning and reflection. Nurturing the development of young people, from primary level, has a long term impact on the value and importance we place on art in society and on developing a happy, healthy and culturally engaged island community.

Director of ArtHouse Jersey, Tom Dingle, said of the exhibition and its associated partnerships: “We’re delighted to host the MAPS exhibition at ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House and celebrate the creativity of so many young people in Jersey. MAPS was designed to help nurture a sense of wellbeing within young people, whilst also seeking to extend arts provision across schools islandwide, both of which have been achieved and sit right at the heart of our partnership with CYPES. We look forward to welcoming children, families and carers alike to the exhibition space to enjoy this special work and project.”

Kate Sugden, the Senior Adviser for Curriculum at CYPES, said: “We are privileged to have developed the MAPS program in collaboration with ArtHouse Jersey, bringing together local artists and teachers. This partnership has resulted in exceptional professional development for all involved. The planned projects have been exciting and engaging, leaving participants eager for more. The upcoming exhibition is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the fantastic work of our children and young people, promoting the importance of arts in education for cultural enrichment, personal development, and well-being.”