Thinking Visual brings together students and exceptional visual artists in a process that enriches understanding of contemporary visual arts practice. Offered by Wicklow County Arts Office, the aim is to provide students with an opportunity to explore relevant themes and concepts while engaging in an understanding of the depth of contemporary visual arts practice through direct engagement with visual artists.

In partnership with Art School and curated by Jennie Guy, the project has brought artists of an exceptionally high standard to work with the secondary school students across the county.

Students are introduced to the work of the participating artists before engaging in a collaborative process where they work together. In this way, the artist remains an artist rather than needing to become a teacher, and the students are directly exposed to the way in which artists think about and produce work.

Artists who have been involved with the programme include: Sven Anderson, John Beattie, Sarah Pierce, Elaine Leader, Michael West, Maria McKinney, Rhona Byrne, Fiona Hallinan, Katy Fitzpatrick and Aislinn O’Donnell.

Schools that have participated to date include: Blessington Community College, Scoil Chonglais in Baltinglass, and Bray School Project.

The aim is to continue the Thinking Visual programme into 2018 and beyond, taking an action research approach that focuses on documentation and dissemination of learning.

Thinking Visual is an initiative of Wicklow County Council has been designed, co-ordinated and managed in collaboration with Mermaid Arts Centre.

Photo: Thinking Visual - Blessington Community College