More than 60 sculptures inspired by the local aerospace industry have gone on display at locations across north and central Bristol today (18th July), marking the culmination of an exciting schools and community project for the Patchway, Bradley Stoke, Filton and surrounding areas
Patchway Community College has been working with My Future My Choice, professional artist Matthew Jeanes and the Bristol Aerospace Centre to deliver an exciting project to nine primary schools about the local aerospace industry, exploring its vast history and discovering how it could be a part of their future.
This project has engaged more than 3,000 pupils, giving them the opportunity to work with 35 business and 35 industry volunteers along with 12 volunteers from the Bristol Aerospace Centre and a professional artist to create a large number of sculptures inspired by the aerospace industry and decorated in a variety of themes.
The Great Aero Art Hunt runs from Saturday 18th July to Monday 31st August 2015, with 63 sculptures in 25 locations including local libraries, schools and local sports centres as well as Starbucks Aztec West, Asda Patchway, Specsavers Bradley Stoke, The Mall Cribbs Causeway and the Royal West of England Academy.
Parents, pupils and the public will be able to hunt for the globe-like sculptures, collect the hidden registration numbers and log them in their art hunt booklets.
The project was made possible through generous sponsorship from businesses including Rolls Royce, Atkins, Bailey Caravans, The Mall Cribbs Causeway, Explore Learning, Asda Patchway, Randstad Education, CJ Hole Bradley Stoke, Taylors Bradley Stoke, Ocean Bradley Stoke, ASDAN, Smurfit Kappa, Bovis Homes, Starbucks Aztec West, Folio, Specsavers Bradley Stoke, Quartet Community Foundation and HP.
Jane Millicent, Head Teacher at Patchway Community College, said:
“It is wonderful to be able to engage with so many students and for them to learn about the local business community as well as develop new approaches to the creative arts. I hope the project provides local families with lots of fun in the summer as they seek to follow the trail.”
Jon Barr, Head Teacher at Meadowbrook Primary School, said:
“Our children have loved their involvement with the project. Alongside the creative art, it has allowed them to connect with the exciting aeronautical history of our local industry and see the creativity within science and engineering.”
Hugh Thomas, Director of the Education for Bristol Initiative Charitable Trust and My Future My Choice, said:
“This is a fantastic project that makes important links early on in a child’s life to their heritage. Bristol created defining moments in the history of aviation. It is a wonderful thing to hear children and their families spontaneously cheering children’s models of Concorde or the Bristol Scout. This project is a great way for friends and families to share their recollections and memories of Filton Airfield as the housing developers move in on the runway.”
To take part in the hunt, pick up one of the free booklets at any of the participating schools, local libraries or participating businesses.
More info: The Great Aero Art Hunt (My Future Choice)
