Transforming School Playgrounds with Collaborative Art

Becky worked with all children at Whitstable Juniors to co-create a large-scale outdoor installation for the school playground, transforming the fencing around a gazebo into a permanent artwork as part of a short artist residency.

Over a three-week period, Becky delivered workshops with every year group, building towards a celebratory reveal of the finished piece just before the Easter holidays. The project resulted in a long-term installation that the children continue to see and use every day, creating a shared sense of pride and ownership in their school environment.

The main artwork is made up of individually painted circles, each made by a child. Each year group explored a different landscape from around the world, drawing inspiration from canyons, oceans, coastlines, mountains, polar regions, volcanic terrain, and savannas.

Alongside the permanent piece, children also contributed to a temporary fabric installation made from sublimation dye printed fabric bunting. They created shapes and patterns that echoed textures and weather from the landscape including sea, grass, thunderstorms and sunshine.

The project culminated in a celebratory opening event at the school. The school choir performed, student ambassadors gave speeches, and parents were invited to the playground for the unveiling of the finished work, revealed as a fabric covering was lifted from the installation.

The final artwork is bold, colourful, and highly visible within the playground, transforming the space and creating a lasting visual identity for the school.

Yvonne, head of the PTA shared:

“It’s been so amazing doing the art project with you. Such a joy! Thank you from the depths of my heart for all the effort you put into it and truly made it so special for everyone!! The kids and staff loved it!”

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