Trading Places/CR.E.A.T.E. Programme

The First Phase

See the residencies in the schools.In February '04 the second phase of residencies for Trading Places/CR.E.A.T.E got under way. The first phase of residencies, now complete, created an environment where the artist, teacher and child could work together to explore the history of the linen industry using arts and technology.

Throughout that first eight-week term the combination of the professional artists in the classroom; the initial exploration into integrating digital technology; and traditional modes of making (as tools for communication and exploration) provided the artist, teacher and the child with a new range of learning experiences.

Finding and exploring themes in the history of the linen industry

All the artists used the history of the linen industry as their starting point. Some schools visited The Lisburn Linen Museum, and some were able to go outside to explore the history of linen industry and its relevance in their local area.

For example in Ballydown, the children with artist Ann Henderson were linen detectives out on a mission. They went looking for evidence of the linen industry in their landscape using stills cameras, video camera, pastels and a mini disc recorder.

Play was at the core of this initial exploration; inventive links were made and encouraged. Artist Julie Forrester explored the idea of creating a sound system for making music from the jacquard punch cards. Dancer Nicola Curry explored movement based on hieroglyphics. Artist Andrew Livingstone is exploring combing the tangible world with the virtual by exploring the theme of exporting with his class.

Continuing to develop skills in the Second Phase

Documentation of all these ideas and thought processes is at the core of this project. In phase two of this project it is envisaged that all residencies will continue to document their process through diary entries on this site.

The focus for the next stage will be to develop more the skills of the artist, teacher and child in using digital technologies: to continue in the creative exploration of the linen industry and to work together to explore these possibilities.

See the diaries from The Residencies