"I didn’t think I could sing but I’m not too bad - the songs are great."
"We will be able to use what we did with our own children."
"We were shocked and surprised by what was achieved."
"We like using personal stories."
"People had to trust each other."
"Afterwards, I wanted to do more. I had a little buzz - like being what you were before, getting back something you felt at school."

These comments were made by people attending the Sure Start Arts Programme at Kinson and West Howe Children's Centre, over the last three years. Bournemouth Borough Council Arts Development runs an ongoing arts programme, in partnership with centre users and staff, as part of a service level agreement with Sure Start Bournemouth local programme. Open a brief Evaluation Report (as a PDF in a new window) - evaluation continues to be an essential part of the work.

Workshops that explore creative ideas and skills development are led by artists with appropriate skills and interest in working with people. Art forms include: puppets and puppet-making; singing and drumming; stained glass; mosaics; drama; movement; poetry and song writing; and printmaking.

Projects culminate in various events and products: 'Voices and Drums' video; poetry booklets ‘My Free Hand’ and ‘Movements of a Dream’. (Poetry booklets are available at £2.00 for both from gill.horitz@bournemouthlibraries.org.uk)

Other arts activities involve visits by parents and children to Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s summer concert in Meyrick Park, and participation in Bournemouth town centre street arts events: ‘Runga Rung’ and Christmas lanterns.

Artists who have worked on projects at Sure Start include: Tony Horitz, Bournemouth Theatre in Education, Heidi Steller, Armchair Puppet Theatre, Christine Page and Ron Vint, Dorset Music Service, Sasha Ward, Rachel Huggett, Jane Higginbottom, and Sammy Hurden.