A group of art teachers from schools across Manchester have come together to launch a new art exhibition, which they hope will reinforce the prominence the subject.
The exhibition will be hosted at Piccadilly Place and has been put together by 12 teachers known collaboratively as the Teach Art Group (TAG). TAG are from a mix of schools and are hosting the exhibition as part of a Masters degree they are studying, called the MA Maker Teacher course, at Manchester Metropolitan University.
The course encourages teachers to practice what they preach, and ultimately extending their knowledge of art and enhancing their pupils’ experiences. One of the organisers is art teacher Lisa Murphy of The Manchester Grammar School. She said: “As much as it’s a challenge taking on an MA whilst also teaching full time, it greatly enriches the teaching experience for me and each of my fellow exhibitors and we are looking forward to the feedback we receive from this event.”
TAG are also hoping that the exhibition will reinforce the importance of art and design, which is becoming less of a focus of schools, as Lisa – an experienced artist who once had her portrait of the Queen displayed at Edinburgh’s Holyrood House – continued: “Public perception about Art and Design is that is still just centers on drawing still life studies – and that is certainly no longer the case.
“Our subject is about engaging young people with ideas and teaching them how to shape a wider array of 21st century media to realise their ideas. Pupils find purpose, explore possibilities and learn from their mistakes on a meaningful journey drawing upon their own creative and individual potential. All good transferable life skills within a broad and balanced curriculum and potentially good for the British economy. We look forward to promoting this at the exhibition.“
The exhibition will showcase the 12 teachers’ best work and is open from 10am to 3pm, from 14th to 20th April at 4 Piccadilly Place.
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