Hungry For Success’ is "A Whole School Approach to School Meals in Scotland", fed by the Scottish Executive’s Expert Panel on School Meals. It sets out their vision for a revitalised school meals service in Scotland and presents a number of far-reaching recommendations connecting school meals with the curriculum as a key aspect of health education and health promotion.

The key agents of success in implementing these standards are local authorities working in partnership with catering professionals, schools and the school communities- teachers, parents and pupils themselves. One aspect of the school dining experience Moray Council is highlighting is the environment in which meals are taken; "Improvements to the dining room to enhance its atmosphere and ambience, and encourage its use as a social area should be considered as a priority by local authorities."

Moray Council’s Environmental Services, in conjunction with Education and Catering Services, has taken the initiative to liase with the Arts Development Team, to develop a programme of inspiring visual arts projects, transforming every school dining area across Moray. Moray Council’s Arts Development Team wish to commission artists/designers for short residencies within each school. The Scottish Executive has agreed that effective management of the dining environment and of the overall dining experience are an essential part of a whole-school, whole-child ethos. This is an exciting opportunity for professional artists to engage creatively with children and encourage a younger audience to consider the importance of their visual environment.

Aims of the Project

Using the visual arts, ensure that the social experience of school meals is maximised
To increase take-up of school meals by creating a visually enticing space in which to eat
To inspire and enthuse pupils and raise the profile of the holistic potential of the arts
To engage the school community, including pupils, staff, caterers and other users
To help pupils recognise the value of their own creativity

Responsibilities of the Artist

The artist will:

Design and implement an innovative arts programme, engaging pupils and staff alike in both the design process and execution of the finished work
Meet with the Head Teacher and local Arts Development Worker, to discuss the timetabling of the residency and the nature of the work to be undertaken
Identify any materials and resources needed prior to the residency, whether it be paint or light!
Work closely with the school staff to ensure that the work undertaken meets the needs of the school involved


A budget of up to £2500 is available for each school. The actual artist’s fee and materials budget will be agreed for each school dining area after initial consultation. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure check.

This is a rolling programme, which will continue on a smaller scale into the next financial year.

If you are interested in being considered for a residency at one (or more) of Moray’s Primary Schools, and challenging the space of dining- halls, then please send a letter of application with a current C.V. (incl. small example of work) as soon as possible to:

Pam Diamond, Arts Development Worker, Moray Council, Commerce House Annexe, South Street, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1JE

Tel: 01343 557150

Email: pamela.diamond@moray.gov.uk