New Eco-Arts Photography Project launched

Florawatch an exciting new Eco-Arts Photography Project available to groups for free!

Play Resource is pleased to announce that by partnering with Belfast Exposed Gallery we can offer a series of free (*) workshops to our members by giving them access to the unique Florawatch Project. This exciting arts project can support arts and teaching programmes during autumn/ winter 2009 and spring 2010.

Funded by Belfast City Council’s Development and Outreach Initiative, Florawatch will offer participants the chance to explore biodiversity and the natural environment in Belfast, learn photo documentation and production, and gain an introduction to basic principles of ecology. The project is open to children and young people aged 5 to 18, and can take place in either a school or youth club setting. It can also provide a source of training and development for teachers and youth workers.

The project run by Belfast Exposed Gallery will be a collaboration between the groups participating and international artist Sylvia Grace Borda culminating in an exhibition at the Gallery during spring 2010.

(*) Some workshops may require contribution towards travel costs, otherwise free.

About Florawatch

Forms of digital photography, photogram techniques and visual observation will be used to explore the intersections between science and art and a more intimate understanding of local green spaces. Participants will learn to become ‘plant detectives’ with an introduction to the basics of plant identification and recording. Participants will be invited to monitor their natural environment and create a series of landscape and portrait pictures.

During the art-making process, participants will also be able to explore techniques associated with drawing, perspective and composition, and in the use of digital photography as a complementary medium. It will encourage participants to think about using plants and weeds in the art-making process.

By looking more closely at our backyards, and the green spaces around us, whether it is a balcony, park, or curbside, we can learn that these places are hubs for wildlife and creative inspiration. Step outside and look at the world with new eyes – through the lens of a camera - and discover a whole new world on your own doorstep. Just be prepared to open your eyes and mind to new images and ideas!

Opportunities for young people aged 5-18

Participation in the project will offer opportunities for young people (aged 5-18) to

• Learn about biodiversity
• Learn simple photography techniques
• Explore how artists express ideas in abstract and visual ways
• Find new ways to explore and relate to their local community and environment around them
• The chance to have their work exhibited in a Gallery space.
   

Opportunities for teachers and youth workers

Participation in the project will offer teachers and youth workers

• Practical advice, new skills and experience of how to teach and develop photography projects with students and young people with a view to preparing their work for exhibition
• An introduction to low tech and accessible photography techniques
• How to produce a photography project suitable for either a classroom or youth club setting
• The chance for their group to contribute to an exhibition to be held at Belfast Exposed Gallery in April 2010.

What the project offers groups

The project will be delivered through a series of workshops in community settings and will offer a basic introduction to

• Plant observation and recording
• Photographic techniques
• Science principles – e.g. use of light and perspective in photography and drawing
• Composition and design skills
• Exhibition design
• Secondary school students, who participate in the workshop, will be encouraged to develop photographic portfolios and visual journals of their work.

Who can join Florawatch

Florawatch is open to

• Children & young people aged 5-18
• Youth clubs, After Schools Groups, Schools
• Youth workers, teachers and art workers.

Workshops are offered free of charge under Belfast City Council’s Development and Outreach Initiative. Therefore, priority must be given to groups based in the Greater Belfast area, but groups from outside this area may still apply.

Interested in participating?

Contact fiona@playresource.org or call 028 9035 7548 for further information or simply sign up now to participate in this exciting arts project!