Arts river project strengthens global links

St. Anne’s Catholic High School for Girls was one of thirty-four schools in London who were invited to take part in the “Rivers Of The World a Thames Festival Art Project” during the school year 2007-2008.

Students from London (UK), Shanghai (China), Kolkata (India), Cairo (Egypt), Cape Town (South Africa), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and the State of Veracruz (Mexico) worked with artists to create magnificent artworks inspired by their city’s river.

The group of Year 9 artists with the Art Technician, Daniella Dee in front of the Globe Theatre

Researching ‘River Culture’, students from St. Anne’s looked at the story of the first Pearly King. The story was that a boat full of pearl buttons from Japan sank in the Thames and locals from the East End collected the buttons and sewed them into their suits.

The students created their own pearly patterns using paper dots, laid onto a background of a coat to look like a pearly costume. They chose patterns that represent aspects of the life of the Pearly Kings and Queens and wanted their artwork to show which part of London they are from.

The Rivers of the World Project enabled young people to collaborate with their international counterparts, developing their understanding of the world.

Head of Art, Maria Garry said, “The quality of work is excellent. The students worked with different materials, and learnt facts about China, thus strengthening the link with our partner school in Shanghai, which continued with a visit to St. Anne’s last week by Chinese teachers who demonstrated Chinese painting to year 7 students. The painting was then presented to Headteacher, Cheryl Byamukama.

The artwork from all the countries was on display along the River Thames until 14 September 2008. The artwork from St Anne’s was on display in front of the Globe Theatre and will be returned to the school late October.

For more information please contact the Headteacher, Cheryl Byamukama on 0208 886 2165

This document was last updated on 2008-09-17 15:26:06 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_133320