Arts project wins national praise

5.48.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 27th Aug 2007

Government inspectors have heaped praise on a project run by Richmond Council's Arts Service.

The Every Drawing Matters exhibition, staged at Orleans House Gallery, was held to celebrate the launch of the Education and Children's Services directorate last year. Following an inspection, the Government's Adult Learning Inspectorate singled out the innovative project as a national example of best practice. It praised the way it used family learning to share information about complex issues. In assembling the exhibition, young people and their families worked over three months with a professional artist to explore how the changes in children's services might affect them. Inspectors said the project led to significant gains in confidence for adults and children. The artwork was created at the recently-opened Coach House Education Centre at Orleans House Gallery.

Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, said: "We are delighted that this excellent work has been recognised through the inspection. Explaining the changes in provision for children, young people and their families posed a major challenge to the Council and its partners. Every Drawing Matters was a first-rate solution, offering a fun and interactive way to convey what would otherwise be a very complex message. The results of the project were excellent, with the results being highlighted in the national media. Congratulations to both the Arts Service, who once again demonstrated their excellent outreach work, and all involved in the launch of the new Directorate. To have such high praise from Government inspectors is a real feather in the Council's cap."