Snap-happy children have helped put Auckland Castle in the picture as part of an inspirational project aimed at transforming their lives.
The 16 youngsters have spent the past year photographing and drawing the magnificent palace of the Prince Bishops of Durham as part of a pilot scheme aimed at helping young people find their voice through the power of the creative arts.
The seven and eight year-olds from St John’s Church of England Primary School in Shildon then had their artistic endeavours brought to a wider audience with a special exhibition at the Bishop Auckland castle.
Around 80 pictures and photographs featuring Auckland Castle as seen through the eyes of the children were in the display.
It is the culmination of the year-long experimental Children Hidden Harm Intervention and Recovery Project (CHIRP) commissioned by Durham County Council in partnership with the Auckland Castle Trust and Durham Alliance for Community Care (DACC).
Grace English, Auckland Castle’s Education and Outreach Officer who has been working with the group, said, “This is a really powerful exhibition which showcases the children’s creativity and ideas.
“This ambitious 12 month project set out to give children living in County Durham the opportunity to explore, learn, create and be heard in a safe and inspiring environment.
“What the group has been doing is fun, but having worked with them for the past year I have seen how art and photography can have a life changing effect on children who, through circumstances out of their control, may be shy, reserved and under-confident.
“Armed with a camera or a paint brush I have seen how given free rein to express yourself imaginatively can unlock your confidence and self-esteem and raise your aspirations.”
The CHIRP project began in September 2013 and has been based at Auckland Castle. Its aims matched those of the charitable Auckland Castle Trust which is working to create a viable and vibrant future for Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area.
A book featuring the children’s work is planned and following the success of the pilot project, it is hoped CHIRP will be rolled out to other heritage venues and schools around County Durham.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
