About
This artist-led project is a partnership with Madras College and supports young people experiencing exclusion from mainstream education and labelled ‘school refusers’. The reasons students are experiencing exclusion are multifaceted and exacerbated by our rural context. We work holistically with the young people and their families to get them back into the classroom and to help them find their place in the world. We do this through a programme they co-design with artist Jek McAllister. Participating artists have included Hannan Jones, Sean Patrick Campbell, and Kate Harvey who have delivered a programme of woodwork, gardening, pottery, film, photography, design, and music making. The young people’s confidence, connection to other students, and creativity are nurtured. All participants thus far have experienced a positive impact including improved attainment, attendance, or mental wellbeing, as well as some students advancing to further education.
History
This project came about in 2022 when we were asked by a local teenager if they could volunteer at the centre during the week, instead of going to school. Unfortunately we couldn’t support this, but through conversation with them, their peers, and school support staff, we developed a programme that they could participate in. Exclusion from mainstream education, or ‘refusing school’, is an increasingly prevalent issue and growing national concern. As a community driven centre, we felt we could do something to provide and alternative education for those who needed it. Funding from the Fife Rural Development Fund supported the pilot of Alternative (Art) School with Madras College.
Creative Practitioner, Jek McAllister, is the lead artist for Alternative (Art) School. They co-curate the programme with the participants and invite selected artists to take part. The resulting programme is a rich mix of art, craft, and horticultural workshops led by established artists. Up to 18 students, aged 13-15 years, can participate on this journey through traditional and contemporary practices. Throughout the programme the group film the activities with it culminating in a shared meal that the students cook together.
Alternative (Art) School 2023
Lead Creative Practitioner, Jek McAllister, curated the overall programme. Like all the team members, they are also a practicing artist. The project engaged nine artists in total, each with a speciality art form or focus and experience working with a mixed ability group of young people. The artists included:
- Kate Harvey, textile artist and designer
- Mim Seddon, ceramicist
- Andrew French, carpenter and wood worker
- Rowan Lear, horticulturist, photographer and teacher
- Hannan Jones, musician
- Sean Patrick Campbell, photographer
- David Smith, artist
- Chris Dooks, artist and support worker
With special thanks to Clyde Built Radio and Hannan Jones for airing Forgan Lunch Club. Listen in here. The 2023 iteration of Alternative (Art) School was funded by Fife Rural Development Fund.
Alternative (Art) School 2024
Led by Jek McAllister, the 2024 iteration included the following artists:
- Saoirse Amira Anis
- Kate Scarlett Harvey
- Mim Seddon
- Zoe Gibson
- Rosie Handley
- Rachael Simpson
- Calum Wallis
- Paige Barret
In addition, Mim Seddon, Rosie Handley, Kate Harvey and Rachael Simpson provided facilitation throughout the programme.
Alternative (Art) School 2025
Starting in September and led by Jek McAllister and selected artists, we are now recruiting young people for this year’s programme. Please get in touch via email on projects@forganartscentre.co.uk or call 01382 542062.
