Bandon Primary Students Embrace FrameWorks Art Project

Artist Fiona Boniwell with 4th Class Pupils of Presentation Primary Bandon are currently participating FrameWorks, an initiative of Cork County Council’s Creative Ireland Programme

Fourth Class Pupils from Presentation Primary School, Bandon are currently participating in FrameWorks, an initiative of Cork County Council’s Creative Ireland Programme, which allows primary schools across Cork to become temporary custodians of the County Art Collection.

Congratulating the students taking part in the programme, the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr, Frank O’Flynn said,

The Frameworks initiative is a fantastic opportunity for young students to ignite their creativity and explore their artistic skillsets. Cork County Council is delighted to make the county art collection available for such a worthwhile initiative and we look forward to seeing the collaborative artworks created by students as a result of the programme.

Over the past number of weeks, students have been working alongside professional artist Fiona Boniwell. They have learned to appreciate the works of art on loan, to explore their own creativity and create their own works in response. Fiona highlighted the links between art study and other subjects such as history, maths and science, saying “I believe that identifying those links at a young age can help increase the understanding that art is not just something for recreation but a valuable tool for developing and realising ideas.”

Deputy Principal Bernadette Ryan thanked Cork County Council for the opportunity to participate in the FrameWorks Art Project, saying “It was truly an amazing and worthwhile experience for us all, the children really enjoyed working on the project. The opportunity to be exposed to different pieces of artwork, to use a wide and varied type of media, was wonderful to experience. We look forward to future collaborations and witnessing the continued growth and success of our pupils in their artistic endeavours.”

Currently in its third year, FrameWorks has so far loaned works of art from some of Irelands most celebrated artists to 17 schools across the county. The FrameWorks programme aims to support the curriculum and provide schools with the opportunity to engage with a visual artist, by providing an enjoyable opportunity to engage in a creative activity supported by a professional arts facilitator, the programme will support the child’s development and foster their appreciation of contemporary visual art.

The programme, which is funded by Creative Ireland, will continue in 2024. Cork County Council will seek expressions of interest in spring 2024 for the academic year 24/25.