Tate art project: a family event

Families of children who took part in an art project with Tate Liverpool attended a Family Day at the gallery to share in the achievements of their loved ones. The event welcomed guests both in person and virtually.

The event provided an opportunity to support family connections. Family members saw the childrens’ work on display and took part in activities similar to those the children had done at their establishments as part of the project.

During the day, the artist who has been involved in the wider project, planned and led art sessions that visitors were encouraged to participate in. 

The Novus team who had supported the project were in hand to discuss the project and answer any questions. This proved to be especially beneficial and appreciated by the families of two learners. The art teacher who had worked with children on the project at one of the establishments was at the family event and was able to discuss the work their children had been involved with on site and the process that led to the artwork they were seeing on display. The families were pleased to hear how positively they had engaged.

A secure live link was available for families who were unable to travel to the gallery, giving them an opportunity to talk about the project, view the work and engage in art activities.

"He’s done a great job with his art, and I am so proud to see it feature with other works in a gallery!" Nan

"My son had told me not to bother coming because I wouldn’t get it! But I made the decision to come anyway to see his work, because I’m so proud of him." Dad

Youth Offending Team (YOT) workers also attended the event, to share in the achievements of the children they work with.

"Powerful words in the artwork – really emotive." YOT worker 

Sarah Hartley, Novus Operational Lead for Creative Arts, Enrichment and Families, and one of the project leads said: “The project has provided the space for the children to explore the artistic style of Bob and Roberta Smith and the theme of family, to express their views and opinions around this and have their voice heard. Seeing the collection of all the artwork ‘as one’ is so powerful and emotive, both visually and in the messages contained in each work.  

“I was both saddened by some of the statements as they obviously relate to challenging times in their lives, but also inspired to see their confidence in speaking about things close to them and proud of their artistic achievements and skill that has led to their final compositions.”

Click here to view the galleries of work created by the children.