Dr Emma Surman (CASIC and KMS) and Kerry Jones (ArtsKeele) have received an award from the HEFCE Higher Horizons fund for a project bringing together school children, art and food. Working together with the New Vic Theatre, Chester University, Reaseheath College and Harper Adams University, the project will commission artists to work with primary and high school children to explore their experience and understanding of food related concerns. Academics and staff from the universities will lead classes in each school to highlight current thinking and encourage debate.

This will be followed by a series of workshops where the artists and children will work together to explore their experience of food through the production of a piece of original artwork. It is hoped the project will enable children to reflect on and communicate their thoughts, experiences and hopes for the future of food from their own perspective and that of society more broadly. Following the creation of the individual arts works, the New Vic Theatre will curate an interactive mobile art installation incorporating the individual artwork from all of the schools. The installation will tour a range of venues including local markets as well as the schools and universities to engage a wider audience in the issues raised.