ARTSPLAY is an arts in childcare project that has been developed by HI~Arts.  It commenced in spring 2002, and was completed two years later in spring 2004. The report can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.
 

During the project it became apparent that most of the areas involved wanted to continue.  The decision was made to enter ArtsPlay Phase 2 from April 2004 to March 2005.  During this period ArtsPlay Hebrides, ArtsPlay Skye & Lochalsh, ArtsPlay Shetland, Artexchange in Lochaber were formed locally in order to deliver a training programme in each region which was either like the original ArtsPlay or developed to work with other client groups. Moray, Badenoch & Strathspey are just beginning the process of creating Steering Groups to develop ArtsPlay.  Orkney Childcare Partnership has appointed a worker who will be developing a training programme in the arts and physical activity. Artsplay Highland is now in its second year of delivery in the Inverness and Nairn area.

The outcome of Phase 2 is still to be quantified as each area is now making firm plans for the future. Some of the areas are coming together to deliver training in the arts cross-sectorally.  A report on ArtsPlay Phase 2 will be available on this site shortly. A database of artists from ArtsPlay will also be made available on this website in the near future.

To celebrate the completion of the project, HI~Arts organised an ArtsPlay National Conference which took place on Thursday, 2 December 2004 at the Craigmonie Centre, Drumnadrochit, Inverness-shire. Click here for feedback on the conference.

The end of ArtsPlay also saw the production of a training DVD, which will be a lasting resource from the project. The DVD shows examples of workshops held during the project and has many ideas and tips on how to run arts activities in childcare settings.

Copies of the DVD will be distributed to organisations throughout the Highlands and Islands. It is hoped that copies will eventually be available to organisations outwith the area.

ArtsPlay DVD Workshop Notes – Available for Downloading

The artists have prepared notes to go hand-in-hand with their workshops in the DVD; plus some extra suggestions, tips and ideas. The notes are available in PDF format at the bottom of the page, under “Related Documents”.

If you would like a copy of the ArtsPlay DVD, please contact info@hi-arts.co.uk.