Skye and Edinburgh pupils share cultural exchange through art project

Pupils from the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh recently opened an exhibition in the Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh.

Title, “Air Iomlaid” the exhibition by primary pupils from Bun-sgoil Shlèite on Skye and Tollcross Primary in Edinburgh opened on Friday 9th April.

Air Iomlaid (On Exchange) is an exciting visual arts project linking children from both schools. The 18-month long project, which began in March 2009, aims to open up an exchange of ideas and techniques, and to explore culture and language in schools throughout Scotland.

Supported the Scottish Arts Council’s Inspire Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage, Learning and Teaching Scotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Air Iomlaid has been developed by The Fruitmarket Gallery, artist Julie Brook and Lasair Ealain, a committee of pupils from Bun sgoil Shlèite.

The children’s environments, languages, and cultures are very different, but through an exchange the children worked and made art together and swapped their experiences of how and where they live.  This dynamic project has embraced the capacities and principles of a Curriculum for Excellence with pupils learning skills for life.

The pupils took part in an intensive programme of drawing and painting outside with professional artists from March to August 2009.  They investigated their local landscape and the environment, learnt about the natural history of the area and had the opportunity to extend their Gaelic vocabulary. They have made links across different areas of the curriculum and it has emphasised interdisciplinary working through immediate responses in individual and collaborative drawings and paintings, poetry, film and animation to the landscape.   Overall this big project, has given every pupil many opportunities to learn a wide range of skills which has had a big, positive impact on the school as a whole.

Large scale artworks and animations were developed in collaboration with the artists and are currently on exhibition at The Fruitmarket Gallery and will travel to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in June.

For further information on Air Iomlaid contact Gwen Culbertson, Head Teacher, Bun-sgoil Shlèite at tel: 01471 844326