Culture Ambassadors

April - December 2024

Culture Ambassadors is a school programme to allow young people the ability to access high-quality arts activities within schools.

Partners:

The NTCEP have partnered up with 20 local schools from North Tyneside.

Culture Ambassadors was a short artist in residence pilot with schools across North Tyneside led by Helix Arts on behalf of the North Tyneside Cultural Education Partnership. 

Created as an opportunity to provide high quality arts experience for young people across North Tyneside. The project acted as an introduction to build relationships with schools, to better understand needs and priorities in relation to their creative curriculum.

It also enabled young people to explore creative career possibilities and creative industry role pipelines.

Artist in residence workshops explored different artforms, new practices; building relationships between artists and schools, developing a ‘cultural ambassador’ role in teaching staff.

Check out what each school got up to

Backworth Primary School

Artist Elizabeth Kane teamed up with Backworth pupils to explore the magic of the seasons through collage. Using layered textures and handpicked imagery, each child crafted a personalised piece that celebrated their unique perspective.

Balliol Primary School

Guided by artist Julie Ballands, Balliol students took a journey deep into the Amazon. With watercolours in hand, they transformed inspiration from rainforest themes into striking pieces full of colour and imagination.

Beacon Hill School

With artist Lauren Tate leading the way, students reimagined their school badge using stencilling, collage, and more. The result? A giant collaborative piece that shouted school pride and teamwork from every corner!

Christ Church C of E Primary School

Laura Marley worked with Christ Church pupils to bring wild creatures to life — through mask-making! Each student created and decorated their own animal mask to reflect personality and flair.

Coquet Park First School

Dragons took flight at Coquet Park as pupils worked with artist Liberty Hodes to design and sculpt their own ceramic dragon tiles. Fantasy met craftsmanship in a fire-breathing creative session!

John Spence Community High School

GCSE students rolled up their sleeves with artist Sarah McConkey to master Gelli and Tetra Pak printing. Their bold, expressive designs now live proudly in their coursework portfolios.

King Edward Primary School

Year 5 pupils got hands-on with folding and wirework alongside Emma Pace, each crafting their own 3D roses. Floral creations bloomed as students discovered new artistic skills.

Kings Priory School

A-Level students explored ceramics with artist Laura Marley, hand-building their own bowls while experimenting with form, texture, and design. The studio buzzed with innovation and creativity.

Longbenton High School

Inspired by artist Jylian Gustlin’s work, GCSE students immersed themselves in mixed media. With Kate Riddles guiding them, they blended collage, stencilling, painting, and photography to express their artistic voice.

Monkseaton High School

Students discovered the joy of Tetra Pak printing with artist Sarah McConkey. Their enthusiasm burst through each print as they explored texture, layering, and bold design.

Monkseaton Middle School

Puppets took centre stage as pupils worked with artist Georgia Hill. From handling giant figures to crafting their own, students poured imagination into every puppet, bringing stories to life.

Norham High School

Norham students dove into the realm of storytelling and den-building. Wild imagination met hands-on construction as they created fantastical worlds and shared original tales.

Richardson Dees Primary School

Year 4 turned rhythm into art with Ashling McCann. Through sonic floor activities and movement-based tasks, students created soundscapes and group compositions that pulsed with energy.

Southridge First School

Flower power bloomed at Southridge as pupils worked with Emma Pace to craft blossoms from recycled materials. Each one reflected creativity and eco-conscious spirit.

Spring Gardens Primary School

With artist Elizabeth Kane, pupils turned animal drawings into a collaborative masterpiece. Shapes, fur, feathers, and fun came together in one vibrant display.

St Stephen's Catholic Primary School

Flags of identity flew high at St Stephen’s. With Alia Gargum, students designed banners that expressed who they were — celebrating diversity, pride, and individuality.

Waterville Primary School

Waterville pupils teamed up with artist Georgia Hill to make eco-friendly puppets. Using recycled materials, they built playful, expressive characters full of heart.

Wellfield Middle School

Animation came alive at Wellfield as students explored environmental themes through storytelling and motion. Led by Julie Ballands, their creations reflected both creativity and care for the world around them.

Western Primary School

Taking a “Walk Around Western” with artist Catherine Warwick, students transformed their observations into colourful pictorial maps. Every corner of their school was seen, celebrated, and sketched!

Want to know more?

Want to know more about the North Tyneside Culture Education Partnership? Why not get in touch to find out more.

ntcep@helixarts.com

0191 241 4931

Thank you to our funders.

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