Schools in Birmingham have submitted artworks inspired by the idea of ‘Courage’ – the theme of this year’s Refugee Week.
A selection of the winning art is on display in the Children’s Library at the Library of Birmingham until the end of June.
While there is only space to show a small selection of artwork at the library, we had so many wonderful entries and wanted to share them all in this online exhibition – scroll down for all of the artworks – click on each image to enlarge.
Some artworks are by individuals, others are a collaboration by a class or year group. Children’s first names or initials are given according to the policies of each school. We have also included some school’s artworks from an exhibition at St Barnabas in Erdington.
Some of the pieces were inspired by books, including The Journey by Francesca Sanna, Ziba Came on a Boat by Liz Lofthouse, and The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright. Three of the schools provided a statement about what inspired their artworks:
Adderley Primary
A Year 6 I.M, pupil at Adderley Primary School, wrote a poem ‘Together we Stand’ in consolidation with the School of Sanctuary’s priority of embedding cultural diversity into their ethos and ensuring families feel safe and accepted. Our school feels that we must be aware, have empathy and take on our role of global responsibility for refugees and immigrants who are suffering displacement, persecution and turmoil in their lives.
Our Lady & St Kenelm Primary
The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright & Jim Field
The children created a collaborative lion artwork piece inspired by our class story, The Lion Inside. Using colourful tissue paper, the children scrunched and shaped the paper to create the lion’s face, exploring texture and fine motor skills through their artwork. They then used painted handprints to create the lion’s mane, making each piece unique and personal to the children involved.
We chose the lion because the story explores themes of courage, kindness and finding your voice, linking closely to the values celebrated by the School of Sanctuary. Through this artwork, the children reflected on how everyone can show bravery, welcome others and help people feel safe and included within our school community.
St Mark’s Catholic Primary
Ziba Came on a Boat
Year 4 have created thoughtful artwork inspired by the book Ziba Came on a Boat. Their artwork reflects the courage shown by Ziba and her family as they endured difficult and dangerous times in their homeland. Through colour, pattern and symbolism, the children explored the emotions of fear, bravery, hope and resilience.
This story helps us to understand the experiences of refugees and the hope they carry as they search for safety, peace and a better future in a new country. The children carefully considered how acts of courage and kindness can help people through challenging journeys and new beginnings.
Gallery
