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About Consilium

Consilium Academies is a multi-academy Trust working across the North of England. It has nine academy schools located in Yorkshire, the North West, and the North East. Consilium is dedicated to enriching lives and inspiring ambitions for both students and colleagues.

Unveiling coastal creativity: Students’ art textiles set to shine in gift shop

They say that “creativity is intelligence having fun”, which is why we’re always supportive of occasions that highlight our young people’s artistry!

This time, we’re celebrating Consilium Evolve, an alternative provision school under Consilium Academies, who recently partnered with Sunderland Culture to showcase students’ amazing coastal-inspired art textiles.

These one-of-a-kind designs will be featured in a much-anticipated exhibition on Monday 8 July at the prestigious Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. A fantastic way to start the penultimate week of the 23/24 academic year…

The beauty of the Sunderland coastline makes for a fantastic muse

Sunderland Culture has been instrumental in shaping the students’ design brief and offering expert insights into factors that influence buyers’ decisions in the gift shop. 

Additionally, Sunderland Culture staff will provide the students from years 7, 8 and 9 with feedback on their finished products before they’re displayed in the museum’s gift shop. There’s no better learning experience than that!

Located in the heart of the city, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens boasts four floors of galleries and exhibitions. With its stunning views across Mowbray Park, it offers the perfect backdrop for recognising and celebrating the students’ achievements.

The design project challenges pupils to create either a cushion or a tote bag that captures the beauty of the Sunderland coastline. As well as this, students are crafting art pieces using locally collected sea glass, for which Sunderland is renowned.

A remarkable opportunity for both students and the wider community 

Rebecca Ball, Chief Executive at Sunderland Culture, said: “It’s great to be supporting the next generation of designers, artists and entrepreneurs as we celebrate our local heritage and culture together. The students’ enthusiasm and creativity has been truly inspiring and we’re looking forward to exhibiting their designs.

“It is a privilege to host a celebration of their work at a special event held at the museum.”

Karyn Taylor, Deputy Head Teacher at Consilium Evolve (who initiated the partnership with Sunderland Culture), expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying: “This is a truly remarkable opportunity for our students and a fitting venue to share and celebrate their incredible achievements with the community.”

Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Art plays a vital role in schools, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression among students. It’s wonderful to see young minds exploring their artistic talents and bringing their visions to life.

“The Sunderland coastline is truly beautiful and we’re so fortunate to have it here in the North East. Best of luck to all the students on this exciting project – your hard work and creativity is truly inspiring!”

Evolve students’ work will be exhibited in the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens’ learning space on Monday 8 July, and everyone is invited to join in the celebration.

Are you ready to be wowed by their creativity? 

Consilium Evolve is a Schools North East Partner School . If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.

Originally published by Schools North East Blog: 

Unveiling coastal creativity: Students’ art textiles set to shine in gift shop – The Schools North East Blog (wordpress.com)