To celebrate Black History Month, Heronswood Primary School spent a week exploring artists from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. The BAME artists studied were:

Preschool/ Reception – Romero Britto - Brazilian artist/printer

Year 1 – Jacob Armstead - painter

Year 2 – Bisa Butler - collage

Year 3 - Jack Whitten – American painter and sculptor

Year 5 - Anish Kapoor - Mubai born sculptor

Year 6 - Kehinde Wiley - portrait painter

As a school, we thought it especially important to celebrate the journeys of BAME artists and pupils thoroughly enjoyed learning why we celebrate Black History month, the origins of which begin in 1915, half a century after the abolition of slavery.

Pupils in Year 3 at Heronswood learnt the importance of significant black people in history for example, Rosa Parkes and the Montgomery Protests, which coincided with Martin Luther Kings’ ‘I have a Dream’ inspirational speech.

The art work produced, not only developed the children’s understanding of cultural diversity but also specific art skills. Alfie in Year 3, who was studying the work of Jack Whitten said, "Black History Month/Arts Week has inspired me to do work at home and learn more about how Rosa Parkes action influenced Jack Whitten". Alfie's mum, dad, sister and gran also enjoyed learning more about Jack Whitten.

Lauren Clay, Art Lead at Heronswood said, "Art Week at Heronswood has been very successful. Children have enjoyed celebrating Black History Month and learning new skills through printing, sculpting, drawing and collage. We have learnt about a variety of artists from different cultures and countries. The children have produced some fantastic artwork inspired by these artists, which have been displayed throughout the school".