NEWS & EVENTS

Big News: Bringing Art to rural Cotswolds!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that, thanks to the generous support and funding from the Gloucestershire County Council, we are launching a brand-new arts initiative across four rural primary schools nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds.

At the heart of our mission is the belief that every child should have access to high-quality creative experiences, regardless of how remote their school may be. This funding allows us to bridge that gap and bring professional-level art sessions directly into these unique village communities.

What’s Happening?

Starting right after the Easter holidays, our team will be heading out to our partner schools to lead weekly creative workshops. Throughout the term, pupils will:

Explore new mediums and artistic techniques
Develop their unique creative voices and build confidence through craft.
Collaborate on large-scale projects and individual masterpieces.

The Grand Finale

The journey doesn't end in the classroom! All the hard work and imagination from our young artists will culminate in a special showcase over the summer. This will be a wonderful opportunity for parents, teachers, and the local community to come together and celebrate the incredible talent within our rural schools.

"There is so much hidden talent in our rural communities. We can’t wait to see the world through the eyes of these talented Cotswold pupils." Sarah Dowie, Sparkhouse Director and Co-founder

We want to extend a huge thank you to Gloucestershire County Council for making this possible. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for "behind-the-scenes" updates and sneak peeks of the artwork as it develops!

Bridging the Generations: New Creative Art and Play Project being developed for Northleach

We are thrilled to announce the development of an exciting new intergenerational project designed to bring together the younger and older members of our community through the power of creative play.

As we head into the summer months, we are hard at work laying the groundwork for a program that breaks down age barriers and fosters connection, laughter, and shared learning. We believe that whether you are 8 or 80, the act of "playing"- creating, building, and imagining - is a universal language that can build lasting bonds.

Building Local Partnerships

We are delighted to share that we have already secured provisional support from Northleach Court. Their enthusiasm for the project provides a wonderful foundation, and we are eager to collaborate with their residents and staff to create a space where different generations can thrive side-by-side.

What’s Next?

Our focus is now on securing the necessary funding to bring this vision to life. If successful, we are targeting an October launch, perfectly timed to bring some creative warmth to the community as the autumn season begins.

Watch This Space!

This is just the beginning of the journey. Over the coming months, we will be sharing more updates on our progress, including how you can get involved, volunteer, or support the project.

Stay tuned for more updates—we can’t wait to play!

'Spring into Arts' Holiday Camp

At the beginning of the Easter holidays we hosted yet another fantastic Arts Camp, this time led by Jenny Moss, our Sparkhouse Director of Arts.

We had an absolute blast learning new painting techniques, painting outdoors and exploring perspectives. We also created mobiles, clay models and lego stop-motion movies. We were very lucky to enjoy some beautiful weather on our visit to the park during lunchtime.

Launch of Sparkhouse Alternative Provision

Last month, our Director of Alternative Provision, Gemma Wingrove, launched a fantastic programme which offers a supportive and creative learning environment for children aged 5–12 who benefit from an alternative approach to education. Based on a Thursday and Friday at the Baden Powell Hall, we work with local primary schools and parents to provide a more flexible education approach centered around learning through the Arts.

For more information to see how your child could benefit, please contact: gemma.sparkhouse@gmail.com