27th March 2026
A total of 77 pupils across three schools in the Causeway Coast and Glens area have been taking part in a new Creative Schools pilot programme delivered by the council’s Art Service.
The pilot is being delivered in partnership with school participating in the Department of Education’s Extended Schools programme, giving pupils the chance to explore creative activities and work with local artists and creative practitioners.
One of the first projects has recently been completed at St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s Primary School, where 44 P7 pupils worked with visual artist Sarah Carrington to create a collaborative artwork inspired by the school’s new motto. During a series of workshop sessions, pupils explored the ideas behind the motto before creating individual artworks which were brought together to form a single large piece for the school.
Two further projects are currently underway as part of the pilot programme. At St Patrick’s Primary school, Portrush, around 22 pupils are taking part in a traditional music-based project. Meanwhile 11 pupils at Rossmar Special School are working with ceramic artist Fiona Shannon in a series of clay workshops.
The Creative Schools pilot supports creative learning within Extended Schools settings while also creating opportunities for local artists and creative practitioners to share their skills and practice with young people across the borough.
Feedback from participating schools and artists will help inform how the programme develops in the future and will help shape potential Creative Schools activity across the Causeway Coast and Glens area.
