Art Truck reduces sedentary activities and increases connections
Children and their families at General Currie Elementary School experience a wide range of social and financial situations. For example:
- 80% of students have English as their second language.
- Some families struggle with differing cultural expectations between their ethnic community and their adopted country.
- Given their central location in the city, there is a fair representation of families who have low incomes.
These factors as well as other concerns, such as safety and lack of transportation influence how and when these families accessing community programming. School staff have observed that after school hours there is, particularly in the intermediate grades (i.e. grades 3-7), a high rate of screen time, some time spent “hanging out” on school grounds, or incidences of children going home to an empty house while parents are at work.
Through committed community partnering and a desire to provide for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore a wide range of art activities within the community, the Art Truck initiative was established.
The Richmond Arts Centre ARTS Truck provided art outreach after school to students for 2 hours on a monthly basis from January to May 2014. Art education in traditional and unconventional mediums (i.e. theatre, dance, paint) was led by a professional trained artist/skilled instructor. Approximately 15-20 students were referred by school staff and, if space was available, drop ins were welcomed. Ideally, representatives from the community partner groups were present at each session in order to engage with and/or provide social/emotional support to participants. All sessions were held at the school in the gym, the multi-purpose room or outdoors.
The goals of the initiative were to:
- Increase participation in physical activity during after school hours in children age 8-12 years who may have barriers to participate in regular community programming.
- Increase the number of positive adult connections/interactions to help foster school connectedness.
- Increase self-expression, and build skills, confidence and the ability to think creatively.
- Increase art education, art literacy, art appreciation and public art awareness in the youth population.
The community partners involved in the initiative are the City of Richmond/Richmond Arts Center (Arts, Culture and Heritage Services), VCH-Richmond Public Health, General Currie School/SD #38, the General Currie PAC and City Centre Community Association. The initial funding was provided by the General Currie PAC, VCH-Richmond Public Health and the HSN – Healthy Living Activity Grant.
Students completed evaluations providing data that showed reduction of sedentary activities after school and increased connections to adults in their community.
Impact statements included the following:
The Art Truck made me feel… confident, happy, energetic, talented [because]…
it is fun and people treat me well.
everybody is included.
the way we played games – with laughter.
The Art Truck to me…
[is] special because every kid here is different.
…makes me feel good for my talent.
[is] confidence because of the activities and encouragement the staff gave me.
The next phase of the pilot is to expand the Art Truck outreach program to three more schools in Richmond School District (SD#38).