Well, I've seen the final(ish)cut! Thank you to Eelyn and to everyone else for all their contributions...what an amazing film! I can't wait for all of you to see it, it shows such commitment and such involvement! I am thrilled to have been a small part of it and I hope that it becomes a well used tool and that we can continue the amazing work that we have started this year. Thank you again, you are all total stars!

I've spent the last 3 months documenting Arts Beyond the Classroom. 20 parents and their children from 2 primary schools in Hackney meeting up on a regular basis to explore the arts in their own home town.

I'm a filmmaker based in East London who's spent a lot of time making films about young people and working with local schools. Documenting this project however has been something quite special. It's a simple idea ..... kids spend some time with their mums or dads going to the theatre, art exhibitions, concerts.....they form an opinion about it and arrange the next visit. But as we all know the simplest of ideas can throw up the best surprises....

Ok, Ok I know that I'm slow and that the ABC project is sort of officially over...but I've finally got around how to put my picture on the blog!!!! So I am no longer a blobby question mark ... I tried to put on my posh school one but it was too big - so this is me and Harvard taken some years ago - both a lot younger and more cuddly!!

Last week we had a brilliant meeting to discuss where ABC was going next year! We will be recruiting very soon! Watch this space and look out for our pestering phone calls. And keep blogging with all your news.

Dear Lauriston Lot,

 

I'm missing you already and really like seeing you in the playground and around the school. I want to tell you what's happening next because we're certainly going to call upon your skills and opinions next year.

Could you have a look at your evaluation sheets and send them back to me with your thoughts about how you might like to be involved in the future, whether you would, what you can offer etc.

I keep going to meetings where organisers are saying, 'do you know any parents who can organise others to get more involved in community and cultural events?' and I keep thinking, 'Yes, but they're ours and I want them to lead stuff for ABC!' So remember how much we value you and want you on board in future AND GET YOUR FORMS BACK! And yes, Nalan, you can write it in Turkish as long as you come along and translate it for me!

Ok I know it wasn't everyone's favourite trip...but there is another Funharmonics at the RFH on Sunday 16th May. Its called Fisticuffs and Fairies (11.30 - 12.30) tickets are £4 for children and £8 for adults.. Call th box Offcie for tickets: 020 7840 4242!

Also if you are from Jubilee and haven't filled in your Feedback questionnaire please do so and return to Nick ASAP!
thanks

The reason why i have loved this experience is because i've got to meet laureston and make lots and lots of friends like degon.The thing  I learnt was art is not just drawing it's many other things too like dancing ,music ,film and last of all painting and when you do your art it dosen't have to be someone elses idea because you have got imagination as good as theirs, so give it a go and  see what you can do with your imagination. The End

Anita's final thoughts

Overall i enjoyed the programme, it gave me an opportunity to speand time with Naya and i discovered that she is very creative and enjoyed manay of the activities that i would have thought before the programme that she would like to do. We had a great time working together and discusing our ideas and we alos had fun disagreeing.

Aside from this the programme itself was great. I visited places that i had herad of with the intention of visiting but never getting round to it. This programme gave me the opportunity to visit and enjoy the activities. I will now carry on attending events and activities with Naya and other members of the family.

I also enjoyed meeting some of the other mothers from Jubilee and Laureston.  We bonded well. All in all fantastic experience.

Here are some photos i took at the wonderful final party...hmmm brings back memories of some gorgeous food!

there was a lot of rushing around and larking about...