Solihull Arts Complex

26 November 2020 Update: To ensure continuity, art workshops will continue online without interruption if restrictions are imposed. AATHCIC is committed to ensuring online sessions are interactive and deliver a live tuition experience similar to being in the studio. 

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 Youth Arts – a place to experiment, express and make art about things that matter to you (be it climate change, civil rights, hip hop or punk! – use the arts to explore where you stand or become an arts activist!

We’ll support you to develop your personal style, skills, confidence and support your creative career pathway. We have award winning expertise working with youth groups and preparing them for progression.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering new platform to shape the direction of youth culture in Solihull. Youth Arts is powered by Art at the Heart CIC – qualified artist lecturers with 25+ years of experience working with youth groups. The workshops can support GCSE/A-Level arts subjects and folder/interview preparation for higher level courses (eg degree in the arts).

We use high quality materials in our teaching; most materials are provided but we’ll recommend purchasing a personal art kit (available at the sessions).

Arts Award – Young people will have the opportunity to achieve Arts Award at either Bronze, Silver or Gold levels aligned to developmental stage. Gold Arts Award carries 16 UCAS tariff points. 

 

What young people and parents say about Youth Arts:

“I have really enjoyed youth arts. Firstly, I enjoy having time in the week to focus on drawing without being distracted by anything else.  I have enjoyed using different techniques including charcoal, pencil and paint.  I am starting to use wire now creating sculptures which is really fun and different.

I am excited for next term!” Student

“Very creative and fun.  I loved experiencing the different techniques in art to draw.  Also, the big or small paper we used helped me focus on detail! Great Course :)” Maria

"The work I did with Mukesh really helped me to put together the portfolio in a logical way and it was presented professionally in the case he obtained.  The coaching he gave me was really helpful to be able to explain to the interviewers what I had been trying to achieve in the various art works. We covered 2D and 3D art and I had some extra homework to look up artists and designers who had influenced my work.  In the interviews I felt confident in presenting the art work alongside the work I had already done at school and I am really pleased to have been offered the places.” Elizabeth

“My daughter had applied for "Set design for film and television" courses at 2 Universities but was not doing an art A Level although she was doing a more technical product design A level. It was clear that the courses would require a demonstration of artistic skill and creativity and so we enrolled her on the Youth Arts Project in September 2019 to boost her skills in this area. 

The course application process required an interview at which a portfolio was to be presented.  Having no clue how to help my daughter with this,  Mukesh offered to run 3 x 2 hour one to one sessions with her to pull together the Art work she had already completed at Youth Arts and to fill the gaps and develop further skills by allowing her to attend an additional 2-hour adult art class.  As part of this process Mukesh provided a personal plan, coached her to discuss and explain the art work at interview, helped her to present it by organising the purchase of a suitable portfolio case and provided a personal reference. She put this together with her school design work.  It was clear from looking around at the other interviewees on the day that without this additional art portfolio she would not have been fully prepared for the interview.  In both interviews’ comments were made around the fact that had she not presented the additional art portfolio they would not have been able to see her potential creative and artistic skills and in one case they would have asked her to attend a foundation art course for an additional year.  The personal reference was noted but they could not add this to her formal application. In both cases she received unconditional offers for a place. I would highly recommend any student who is applying for an art and design course and who needs support with putting together a portfolio and interview practice to work with Mukesh.” Jane, Feb 2020

 

Changes to Art at the Heart CIC Classes – Covid-19 Regulations for your Safety

We’re delighted to start re-introducing our Art Courses, which will return with some important and very necessary changes. 

Our first priority is to protect attendees, tutors and staff at The Core and so we’ve considered carefully how to manage our popular classes with minimal contact.  Change is always difficult for the first few weeks, so we would ask all attendees to read all sections below carefully and follow the new ways of attending designed to keep us all safe.

How do I book a place?

Places can only be booked and paid for by phone or online.  Call: 0121 704 6962 to book onto a course and your child’s name will be on the register at the start of the class. You cannot reserve or pay cash upon arrival.  Visit www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk to book online. 

Please don’t attend a class unless you have pre-booked and paid, we’re expecting classes to be full. Call Box Office (0121 704 6962) if you are unsure of availability.

What new measures are in place?

Participants over 10 years old should wear a face mask to enter the building, once seated at an allocated table, masks can be removed or kept on. They must be worn when visiting toilets or leaving the building.  If a young person has a medical exemption from wearing a mask, please make this known to the tutor.  Tutors will wear a visor throughout the session.

Each workstation will contain artwork, paper, art case and paper towels laid out at the start of each session. Paint palettes and water pots will be handed out where required.  Participants should keep their belongings/bags etc. within their own workstation – don’t share with or borrow from others.

Classes are timed throughout the day to allow a thorough cleaning and ventilation regime.  We’ve allowed up to 1 hour between classes to allow us to fully ventilate the Gallery, sweep and mop floors and wipe down furniture.  Hand gel will be available at the entrance to the building and in the gallery together with hand-washing signage.

What about social distancing?

Course attendees must attend no more than 15 mins prior to the start of the class to prevent any queuing or crossover with others.   Please go straight into the Gallery and find an allocated space or desk.  The space allocated fits with current Government guidelines.  The doors will be held open automatically on entrance and exit.   

Participants should keep within their allocated workstation and respect that others might be anxious to keep away from others so may not wish to chat or move around as may have previously happened.  The maximum attendees will be 16.  Demonstrations by tutors will be performed in a central space, where everyone can see.  When tutors work individually with participants, they will keep appropriate distances at the end of each workstation.  After the class please leave the Gallery promptly to allow staff to begin the cleaning regime.   

Parents should not enter the Gallery unless absolutely necessary and when collecting should wait in Theatre Square.   

Toilets will have clear guidance on the number of people allowed in, plus a regular cleaning regime.

Materials and Equipment

All participants will be provided with basic art materials (pencil, sharpener, eraser, brushes, palette, charcoal, scissors and glue stick) in an ‘easy to wipe’ art case.  The named cases will hold all work and be kept safely at The Core ready for the following week.  These cases will remain carefully stored until the end of the course.   All resources required during the session will be prepared in advance by tutors and laid out on workstations.

Brushes can be cleaned by participants, as directed by tutors, in a ‘one way’ system and returned to the individual art cases.  Palettes will be cleaned and sanitised by Tutors or staff and returned to the cases.

A Summary of changes

• Places are limited - book in advance. You can bring your own drink and/or snack if needed.

• Art cases, containing all equipment and work, will be kept on site throughout the course.

• Don’t arrive early, Wear a mask upon arrival and remove while you’re seated if you wish.

• Follow instructions regarding cleaning, moving around the venue, using the toilets etc.

• Hand gel is available – there will be thorough cleaning and ventilation between classes.

This notice has been prepared jointly by The Core Management and Art at the Heart CIC.  If you have any questions with regard the new arrangements please do not hesitate to contact admin@artattheheartcic.org.

What else has changed?

The Core will provide meet and greet staff to assist visitors stay safe during their time in the building. 

The Changing Places facility remains open and accessible to those who need it.

The Library will be operating a ‘grab & go’ facility on the ground floor only.  Users can select items without browsing or touching them and follow instructions regarding check out.

Council services and facilities operating from The Core all have their own webpages with full details of how COVID-19 regulations have changed their workplace and services. View online at www.solihull.gov.uk or call the Council Switchboard on 0121 704 8000.

Anyone with Covid 19 symptoms should NOT enter The Core. All attendees should follow Government test and trace advice, particularly after being in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid 19. Attendees will be credited if any classes are cancelled.