New resource to link up early years settings with local artists

Nurseries can use the map to search for local artists to work with the children in their setting and read more about the artist through their website or profile page, only accessible to Earlyarts members, which includes case studies and contact details.

All of the artists shown on the map subscribe to Earlyarts’ principles and are actively involved in early years with a collaborative and enquiry-based approach to their work.

Users can also search for other Earlyarts members and pathfinders on the map.

Early years artists listed on the map include:

• Ann Scott from Boston, Lincolnshire, who runs Tales and Tunes, music and storytelling sessions for children from two years of age.

• Rodney Harris from Bristol (pictured above), who has worked with over 30 pre-schools delivering clay workshops for young children and staff.

• Jennifer Frances, a professional textile artist and early years professional from Bridport, Dorset, who has worked in a variety of settings such as nurseries, primary schools and holiday clubs delivering long and short-term projects and workshops. One project she did with a Dorset nursery (pictured), designed to highlight the importance of addressing cultures, saw children explore natural materials and create large scale installations such as globes which opened up discussion of the world they live in.

To help settings choose what artist to work with, Earlyarts has also created a project planner to guide practitioners through the decision-making process and consider timescales, budgets and outcomes before even searching for an artist.