| The
Drumcroon Gallery was established in 1980, the result of the
collective vision of Wigan Education Authority and its art
adviser, Rod Taylor. It gave form to the concept that participation
and appreciation are complementary aspects of an education
in the visual arts and became the arena within which educators,
artists and learners developed an enduring and principled
partnership. Adults as well as young people from early years
children to sixth form students are catered for. The Drumcroon
service is multi faceted and it is in the interaction between
the visitor and these many dimensions, referred to by Michael
Rothenstein as "the wrap-around experience", that
makes the work of the centre unique. |
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The
gallery's exhibition programme is designed to show a broad range
of work by notable artists, craft makers and designers. It is
underpinned by the structure of a curriculum matrix that ensures
a balance between 2D, 3D and Textiles as well as Art, Craft and
Design. The matrix also enables connections to be made across
cultures, periods and universal themes. Recognising that every
facet of the visual arts has its history and its contemporary
practitioners, links with other artists, movements, and cultures
past and present are identified and represented through books
and reproductions from the Drumcroon Library and Resource Centre.
Most exhibitions are further contextualised using the Drumcroon
Collection of original works. These artifacts are also utilised
in schools to create pertinent exhibitions that support learning.
Whether in the gallery or in a classroom situation, historical,
topographical and scientific information, relating to the works
of art or theme of the exhibition, provide a contextualised experience
that seeks to capture the creative thinking of the artist as well
as enabling visitors to gain insights into making processes. Preparatory
material, sketches, photographs and maquettes shown alongside
the works on display make the whole working process evident. Careful
presentation of relevant material is vital to the children's enjoyment
and appreciation. |
Paula
Rego at Drumcroon
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Drumcroon
seeks to provide a learning environment that creates a culture of
enquiry where questioning lies at the heart of learning and teaching.
Gallery staff strike a careful balance between imparting information
and allowing young visitors to discover for themselves through discussion.
The children explore issues in a real situation; they are engaged
in making a personal connection to the work, vital if they are to
make meaning from experience. Young people are encouraged to gather
essential information and data in a variety of different ways. The
whole experience is built around looking, responding, analysing
and recording, with practical activities and workshop sessions designed
to deepen the children's understanding of an exhibition. The business
of making imagery is approached with a critical appreciation of
the work of other artists and a critical awareness that makes sense
of their own work. They develop skills and employ processes that
enable them to make visual their thoughts and ideas. |
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number of artists-in-residence are based at the centre, giving visitors
the opportunity to watch the development of their work over a period
of time. Resident artists continually give the gallery's audience
an insight into the diverse nature of creativity, as something that
requires discipline, previous experience and a firm grounding in
knowledge. Drumcroon is an interface between the world of contemporary
art and the world of art education. Practical outreach work in schools,
teachers' notes, professional courses, newsletters and the Drumcroon
website all serve to reinforce principles and disseminate the work
of the Centre that has pioneered many important ways of making the
visual arts more accessible. |
Workshop
with Michael Brennand-Wood |
Being
characteristically concerned with the evaluation and revaluation of
the world, and in illustrating the diversity and excellence of human
achievement, the visual arts are essential to understanding cultural
changes and differences. If young people are to be enabled to understand
the community and society within which they live as well as the interdependence
of individuals and groups, an education in the visual arts is crucial.
This way of knowing themselves and the world is central to the Drumcroon
experience.
back
to 25 years
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