Core Workshops
At 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, we offer a wide range of core workshops throughout the academic year.
Inspired by our current exhibitions, all workshops explore materials and themes presented by contemporary artists. Workshops are available throughout the school year and are designed to complement the school curriculum. All workshops for schools feature current exhibition visits, where possible.
The workshops are lead by learning professionals and set within an engaging gallery with a reputation for offering a varied and exciting exhibition programme of contemporary art, craft and design.
All of our current workshops are also available as outreach.
“The children absolutely loved the trip, thank you so much for inspiring them, we have already done a follow up art lesson this week looking at portraits and proportion, and you can see how much they have learnt since the trip!” -KS2 teacher from Burton Stather Primary School.
For booking contact artsandheritagelearning@northlincs.gov.uk or telephone 01724 296039.
Arts and Heritage Learning Across North Lincolnshire Museums
Did you know Arts and Heritage Learning also offers hands on and engaging learning experiences at North Lincolnshire Museum and Normanby Hall Country Park? To take a look at our full range of workshops here – Arts and Heritage Learning Brochure.
Current Workshops at 20-21
Take it Away Clay (KS1 / KS2)
Curriculum links: Art and Science.
Explore sculpture, materials and techniques with our art handling collection. Then create your own individual art work in clay. This workshop can be adapted to respond to our exhibitions or your own topic.
Popping Portraits (KS2)
Curriculum links: Art, Science and History.
Use a variety of printing techniques to create your own individual portrait which lends itself to an eye-catching class display. Learn about Pop Art and the legacy it had on contemporary art and culture.
Wow! Said the Owl (EYFS)
Curriculum links: Art, Science, P.E and PSHE.
Inspired by the ever-popular story by Tim Hopgood, this workshop encourages children to act out a story using a range of props, use their artistic skills to create an owl mask and finally investigate other nocturnal animals.
Shadow Puppet Theatre (KS2)
Curriculum links: Art, Literacy and Science.
Explore the science of light and host your own performance based on your chosen story – either a set text or something brand new. Create your characters and make them come to life through movement and shadows.
Blue Abyss (KS2)
Curriculum links: Art and Science.
This workshop focuses on investigating properties of oil and water based mediums. Children will work on their own underwater themed artwork, using Paul Klee’s fish paintings as inspiration.
Bespoke Workshops
Would you like to explore another technique, artist or subject? Our team can develop a creative workshop to meet your own learning outcomes. Get in touch for more details.
Exhibition linked workshops
Why not combine a visit to our exhibitions with a specially devised workshop and get a deeper understanding of how artists work, bring a sketch book and prepare to be inspired.
Find out more about our exhibitions here.
At 20-21 we also offer:
● Talks and guided tours
● Short craft activities in the gallery
● Artist-led specialist workshops
For your school we offer:
● Arts Mark and Arts Award support
● Whole school or targeted creative projects
● An exhibition space available for schools to display their artworks.
CPD available!
Our specialist Arts Learning Team provide CPD sessions covering textiles, watercolour, clay and sculpture, printing, and drawing. If you would like to know more, get in touch with us on
artsandheritagelearning@northlincs.gov.uk or call our Schools Business Support Officer on 01724 296039
Project Work and Embedding the Arts
20-21 Visual Arts Centre is committed to supporting education for all ages. If you have any ideas or projects you would like to develop we are very happy to help. We have experience in teacher training, after school clubs, whole school art development, Arts Award delivery, community artist led projects and more.
We have provided sessions which not only focused on art and design using a range of materials, but also embedded elements of maths, science and literacy
If you would like to develop a project with us, please get in touch at artsandheritagelearning@northlincs.gov.uk or telephone 01724 296039.
Digital Workshops
Object Handling Boxes with Digital Workshops
Teachers can loan the boxes, explore the objects and make use of the lesson plans in the classroom. The boxes include teacher resources, equipment and objects needed to teach a KS1 or KS2 lesson.
Popping Portraits – Art Skills Box
This art workshop and box explores the work of a variety of Pop Art artists from America and the UK. Learn new skills in the classroom with step by step videos, activities & teacher resources all available in the box.
Blue Abyss – the Ocean in Watercolour – Art Skills Box
Learn about using watercolours to develop pupil’s artistic skills in the classroom. During the session, pupils will use these new skills to produce the blue abyss – a seascape scene. This workshop is also available in venue and can be delivered by a member of the Arts and Heritage Learning Team.
EYFS – Wow! Said the Owl Art Skills Box
This workshop takes inspiration from Tim Hopgood’s ‘WOW! Said the Owl’ illustrated book and the accompanying exhibition which visited 20-21 Visual Arts Centre in 2020. Learners will discover the world of light and colours through the eyes of a curious young owl that stays up during the day instead of going to sleep.
For booking contact artsandheritagelearning@northlincs.gov.uk or telephone 01724 296039.
To find out about all of the events and activities that are taking place at 20-21 please visit our What’s on pages.
