Anderston Primary School pupils were the first to experience PARK XR’s educational programme where street art and augmented reality came together in the second week of our colourful pop up PARK XR. Led by Yardworks, SWG3’s globally renowned street arts and graffiti programme, PARK XR blends street art and contemporary art within a unique 43,000 sq ft playground at Skypark, using stacked shipping containers as large scale canvasses for artwork and light installations.
75 Primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils were able to access a newly conceived digital layer to the murals with virtual reality headsets and smartphones, and take part in hands on workshops. Digital art is is rapidly emerging as a new way for artists to activate spaces through technology, and virtual reality murals are a new way of bringing a broader range of art to the streets.
This education programme is part of SWG3’s innovative partnership where Yardworks and Skypark have transformed Skypark 7, a former engineering works now vacant site between Finnieston Street and Exhibition Centre train station, into PARK XR a dynamic hub of artistic expression.
Allan Lynn, Head Teacher, Anderston Primary School said: “We were thrilled to be offered the opportunity to be the first pupils to view and take part in the art workshops and also be the first to see the interactive exhibition! All our pupils are enthusiastic about the arts and this will provide them with a great stimulus for their learning when they return back to school. The partnership with our neighbours at Skypark, Yardworks and SWG3 is at the heart of our school community and it is great that we are involved in a project which will help open minds and broaden horizons for our children”.
Laura Frood, SWG3’s Education and Participation Lead said: “We excited to welcome Anderston Primary to Park XR, we have been working with local schools and community groups over the last 3 years as part of our Yardworks GRID programme. This creative placemaking project is funded by Creative Scotland and Glasgow Community and Place Fund and aims to improve social, educational and economic outcomes for local communities. We are particularly looking forward to introducing the children to augmented and virtual reality tools as a way of imagining the future of their communities in fun and playful ways”.
Angela Higgins of Resonance Capital Skypark’s Strategic Lettings Advisor, said: “Banksy chose Glasgow last year for his first ever show, because of the defiant art already in the City, which elevated interest in street art and brought everyone together. PARK XR builds on this, using art to unite communities and inspire and encourage young people to express themselves and experience Glasgow University’s cutting edge XR facilities. We understand the importance of communities pulling together and how art can be an opportunity to develop young minds.”
Remember PARK XR is a FREE event, open at weekends to the public, schools, charities and community groups until Sunday June 30th.
How Do I Get Tickets?
Book here >> PARK XR Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
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