Wokingham

This summer, the Arena for the Arts exhibition, an inspiring collection of children and young people’s art from across the Wokingham district, will be exhibited in partnership with Churches Together in Wokingham at St Paul’s Church until August 18.

Organised by Wokingham District Council, the Arena for the Arts exhibition, also forms a ‘Trail of Belief’ around churches in the Wokingham district during The BIG Idea week from August 20 to 27.

The Arena for the Arts exhibition was officially unveiled in June by Wokingham district council chairman Cllr Angus Ross and launched the district council’s year-long Discover Culture initiative which will see a whole host of events taking place in celebration of cultural activities with something for everyone. The exhibition is free to visit.

Wokingham Cllr Angus Ross said: “I hope that everyone who comes to view this unique collection of art will be inspired by what has been created by talented pupils from across many of the district’s schools. Arena for the Arts goes from strength-to-strength each year and I am impressed with the range and quality of the artistic pieces. I hope many local residents will take advantage of the many opportunities to view the exhibition over the summer at participating churches.”

Arena for the Arts is now in its fourth year, and this year has seen children and young people exploring the theme, ‘Belief: inspiration, vision, faith & trust’ through a variety of media including painting, collage, sculpture, pottery and textiles. Some 30,000 pupils have been involved in the project since it started in 2003 and this year’s participants have been busy for two terms creating their own artistic masterpieces.

Aimed at giving young Wokingham people the chance to develop their artistic skills and enthusiasm for the arts, the Arena for the Arts exhibition was visited by many members of the public who were impressed with the artistic and creative talents of the district’s youngsters.

Schools who took part in this year’s Arena for the Arts project were: Arborfield Newland and Barkham Junior, Hawkedon Primary, Hawthorns Primary, Hillside Primary, Lambs Lane Primary, Loddon Junior, Maiden Erlegh, Nine Mile Ride Primary, Palmer CE (Aided) Junior, St Teresa’s Catholic Primary, Shinfield St Mary’s C of E, The Coombes Infant and Nursery, Waingels College, Walter Infant and Nursery and Whitelocke Infant and Nursery.

For more information on The BIG Idea week, visit www.the-big-idea.org.

Wokingham District Council