Written by Andreas Michael
On the 19th and 20th of June, The Futures Trust brought together 100 talented students aged 10-18 from its schools for an Arts Festival celebrating creativity and collaboration. The festival aimed to provide state school students with access to opportunities typically reserved for privately educated students at prestigious schools.
Working alongside three leading UK artists and performers, students explored Poetry, Art, and Drama, creating original responses to Flag, a powerful poem by renowned Guyanese poet John Agard.
A Visit from John Agard
The festival kicked off with an inspiring visit from John Agard, who delivered a captivating talk and performed his poem Flag. The poem’s themes of unity and division became the foundation for the students’ creative responses.
On 9th July, students reunited to prepare for a final showcase at The Box, Fargo Village, Coventry. The sold-out event drew 250 attendees and highlighted the incredible talent and dedication of the students involved.
Berkshire Printmakers
Making an Impact
When planning the festival, an art teacher suggested involving Berkshire Printmakers to bring a unique element to the event: silkscreen printing.
From the first conversation, Sarah and Cipriano understood the vision and enthusiastically jumped on board. They worked creatively and flexibly within the budget, delivering a challenging and inspiring experience for students aged 11-18.
Their offsite preparation was key to the project’s success. They developed stencils, print screens, and resources that allowed students to produce silkscreen prints inspired by John Agard’s poem. Their visual motifs complemented the work from the poetry and art groups, creating a cohesive and impactful artistic response.
The Power of T-Shirts
Building Unity
One of the most impactful contributions from Berkshire Printmakers was the idea of creating custom T-shirts for each student. The T-shirts helped to unify students from nine different schools, making them feel part of a collective arts community.
In addition to the T-shirts, Sarah and Cipriano helped the students create tote bags and extra shirts, which were sold in a pop-up shop during the event. This initiative raised over £400 for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
Inspiring Role Models for Young People
Beyond their artistic contributions, Sarah and Cipriano were fantastic role models for the students. Their story of turning passion into a profession inspired many young people to see the possibilities of a creative career.
Their ability to engage with students was evident throughout the festival. They worked tirelessly to bring the students’ ideas to life, and their dedication made a lasting impact on everyone involved.
The Arts Festival was a huge success, and the involvement of Berkshire Printmakers was instrumental in achieving that. Their talent, enthusiasm, and professionalism left a lasting impression on students, teachers, and attendees alike.
We look forward to working with them again in the future!
