Riverside Routes - Riverside Routes x Tyne Derwent Way
As part of three school-based commissions, we have offered Saturday family walks led by artists Megan Randall, Jessica Kinnersley, and plan another with the creative company Unfolding Theatre.
We are trying this approach because we want the work artists are doing with staff and pupils to become deeply embedded. We hope these walks model ways parents could spend time creatively engaging and connecting with local spaces. This case study focuses on the walk led by Megan Randall near the Land of Oak and Iron.
The Land of Oak and Iron is a visitor centre managed by Groundwork, one of the Tyne Derwent Way partners. The River Derwent flows through the landscape, rich in natural beauty and industrial heritage. Families were asked to meet at the entrance.
Ahead of this walk, children from Year 4 had completed four sessions with Megan Randall. One of which was a creative walk along another section of the River Derwent supported by parent helpers and staff.
The project
The artist-led walks with Megan were around 90 minutes and children on both walks took part in four creative activities - treasure hunt, sound recordings. drawing and building.
This has been a wonderful engaging walk. Very special thank you."
Impact
Two out of three parents said they only take part in creative activities one or two times a year. It's great that this sort of thing is reaching people who might not engage in cultural activities in Gateshead, such as the drop-in activity being piloted by the arts team in libraries and community venues. There is something about multi-generational activity makes parents who might have less confidence creatively expressing themselves feel more comfortable as it's viewed through the lens of 'play' and is therefore low risk.
It was very interactive and interesting, learning facts at the same time'."
