Early Years at the Galleries of Modern Art Marie-Louise Smoor Schools Education Officer National Galleries of Scotland

Background Why is the Early Years (3 – 5 years) important to us? Eye Spy Nursery Programme at the National Gallery of Scotland since 2003: Eye Spy tours – free of charge Follow the Seaons Workshop - £35 for 2 hours for 12 children Tours at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery since 2006

Taking on the Galleries of Modern Art Demand from nursery providers prompted us to think about extending the existing programme to the Galleries of Modern Art. We felt that the different types of art displayed at the Galleries of Modern Art, required a different approach to Eye Spy. We also wanted to review what we knew about 3-5 year olds’ needs.

Off the Wall 9 Dec May 07 Each nursery came for 2 2- hour visits, lead by a visual artist and a non-gallery artist. Exhibition of contemporary ceiling- and floor- based art provided the opportunity to explore potential with early years. We worked with: 4 Edinburgh Nursery Schools 7 artists from Music, Dance, Storytelling, Drama and Visual Arts 2 curators 1 music educator 1 gallery educator

What we learned? Children Children as young as 2 years can actively engage in concrete and abstract learning experiences with modern and contemporary art. Children always bring their own interpretation to works of art and activities. Children are able to work with complex ideas, e.g. colour theory, as long as it is broken down into simple steps and tasks. Children embrace the opportunities to explore the art through practical making activities. They engaged longer with the practical activities than others. Children’s creativity increases when the materials are restricted. Design open-ended activities that encourage children to use their own imaginations to create their own outcome, and reflect varied attention spans. Artists Working with artists from across the arts – music, dance, storytelling, theatre, enabled National Galleries of Scotland education staff to explore the collections in new ways. This also provided new professional development for gallery staff, as well as invited artists.

What Next? August – October 2007 Warhol Nursery Workshops 8 2-hour sessions offered to existing partners and new groups. Art Sparks! Programme to be launched in January min-1hour tours of Dean Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art – free of charge 2 hour workshops at Dean and Gallery of Modern Art - £35 for 12 children 5 March 2008 – Art Sparks! Teacher Evening to introduce programme to teachers and invite constructive feedback.

For more information, contact: Marie-Louise Smoor Schools Education Officer National Galleries of Scotland