This project contributes to the development of ceramic and craft as a process of making, research and storytelling for enabling participation in environmental issues – including biodiversity, spatial uses, “greening”, ecological issues, wellbeing, and role of sustainable arts practice and materials. Part 1 of the project has been structured around a residency period between May-July 2017 at Hazel Grove High School with Years 8 and 9 pupils, focusing on the school’s Pastoral Garden and other green spaces. Workshops have so far combined ceramic and mixed media work, research in and around green spaces, and engagement with botanical collections and specimens. The aim has been and is to explore craft practice for engaging students, enabling them as co-researchers, and increasing their ecological awareness; developing a model for workshops that can feed into the curriculum; create a programme of activities and engagement with the School’s Pastoral Garden (as a Living Lab); and collaboratively create installations of ceramic sculptures and wall murals for the Garden and School.

Part 2 of the project will commence September 2017.