This project supported by Arts Council Malta- Creative Communities Fund.
Dear all,
With the support of the Arts Council Malta and Inspire, we are happy to inform you of a unique opportunity for children with disabilities between the ages of 5-15. The Inspire Mosaic Project has a two-fold purpose. First children will learn about recycling and the environment through the Mosaic work led by Gozo Mosaic artist Mary Portelli and an activity led by WasteServ Malta. Secondly, we hope to foster a sense of community amongst the various non-profit organisations for children with disability as we mingle and share information with each other.
What do I do if I have a child that wants to participate?
If you are a member of a Non-Governmental Organization or a Disabled People’s Organization (Ex: ADHD Malta or Caritas Malta Epilepsy Association), please talk to the administrator of your NGO or DPO since a certain number of children per group have already been allocated. If not, please contact Robin Pinkston, the project manager at repink@activebox.net or 99803846. All applications must be submitted by Friday, 12th January and once the allotted spots are taken, other applicants will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. If for some reason you learn that your child cannot attend, please let us know so that we can let someone else take part.
How can I join in?
First, if you or your organization have some broken or unused ceramics or porcelains (mugs, plates, vases, etc) or wall tiles (particularly with bright colors) then PLEASE collect them and contact us for pick up. These will be needed by Friday, 12th January as well.
Second, your organization will have an opportunity to let others know about your group. If you could bring some display materials, you will have a table space upstairs and a chance to network with each other. If at least one person from your organization could also be available to stand near the table and answer questions that would also be ideal.
Third, each child can be accompanied by up to two people (parent, sibling, caregiver, friend). The focus for the mosaic work will be on the participants but those accompanying can also join in.
Finally, we need volunteers!
VOLUNTEER DETAILS:
For volunteers, there are FOUR separate dates and all activities will take place at Inspire in Marsascala.
On Saturday, 13th January from 9:00 am- 12:00 pm adult or teen volunteers will meet together in the pottery room (in the parking area) to learn how to break up the collected ceramics to use in the mosaics. All in attendance will need to sign a waiver and indicate if they would be happy to appear in any media related to the project. This is NOT a safe activity for children.
On Saturday, 20th January from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm all adult, teen, and children volunteers will need to be at a REQUIRED volunteer meeting. We will have training about working with children with disability, and a thorough explanation of the next week’s activities. Then Mosaic artist Mary Portelli will teach us how to help the children do the mosaic work and we will begin the actual mosaics. All in attendance will need to sign a waiver and indicate if they would be happy to appear in any media related to the project.
On Wednesday, 24th January from 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm will be the actual Inspire Mosaic Project. We plan to have around 28 children participating, plus the people who accompany them and the various volunteers. Registration begins at 4:00 pm- please do try to be prompt. The students will be divided into two groups. One half of the group will work on the mosaics under careful supervision while the other half will have a learning activity led by WasteServ and an opportunity to learn more about the different NGOs and DPOs. At 5:00 pm we will have a short break and snack time, and then switch places. We will conclude by 6:00 pm. Each participant and those accompanying them will need to sign a waiver indicate if they would be happy to appear in any media related to the project.
Finally on Saturday, 3rd February adult and teen volunteers may return to assist in the final grout work on the mosaics. Anyone who participates will need to sign a waiver and indicate if they would be happy to appear in any media related to the project.
The final mosaics will be displayed in the Action Planet Environmental Initiative (www.actionplanet.org) in the Spazzju Kreattiv at St. James Cavalier in Valletta from 16th February to 18th March 2018.
Afterwards the participating organizations will be entered in a drawing to receive one of the seven mosaics as a gift.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, and we look forward to working with you and your organization as we learn about the environment and each other and make beautiful art!
Robin Pinkston
Project Manager
Inspire Mosaic Project
99803846