Northern Architecture commissioned to work on a two year education programme around the Apollo Pavillion in Peterlee
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- Date
- 10 Feb
The two-year scheme, developed by the Apollo Pavilion Community Association (APCA) is born out of the Apollo Pavilion’s initial restoration initiative and is part of the APCA’s education and community programme.
Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, North East and Durham County Council, Northern Architecture will be working with young people from three of the region’s schools and colleges - East Durham College, St. Bede’s RC Comprehensive School and The Academy at Shotton Hall.
The young people will learn practical and creative skills through projects that will complement their key stage 3 curriculum subjects, including Art & Design, Citizenship, Geography and History. This will be delivered through a series of inventive workshops and master classes as the students look to research and explore their heritage and investigate how their environment impacts on their day-to-day life.
David Taylor-Gooby, chair of the APCA, said: “The creative education programme is a great opportunity for young people to see the town where they’ve grown up, under a new and refreshing light.
“The scheme engages the students by providing them with the practical skills and know-how to reflect upon the local community; and gives them a chance to feel ownership, pride and respect towards Peterlee – as the future generation of workers and homeowners in the region. The Apollo Pavilion has a diverse quality that reaches out to everyone, young or old – representing the town’s prosperous future.”
Tracey Pearson, teacher at St Bede’s RC Comprehensive School, said: “The Project is a catalyst for thinking about ourselves, our family, our cultural identity and our environment. The students will look at the work of Victor Pasmore and others, thinking about other ways of filling space using public art to inspire pride and optimism.”
The Apollo Pavilion, situated in the heart of Sunny Blunts housing estate in Peterlee, has recently been awarded the proud honour of Grade II* Listed status. The concrete building, owned by Durham County Council, was recognised by English Heritage for its architectural and cultural merits.
For further information on this project, click here to visit the Education Project pages.
Image Credit: Tony Griffiths