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SUPPORTING NATIONAL PROJECTSSupport from NADFAS is helping Children’s Art Week to become even bigger and better this year. The annual programme is run by engage, the National Association for Gallery Education, and so far it has given thousands of children and young people the opportunity to experience the visual arts and get involved with practical art activities with artists and makers.The £6,000 grant from the Patricia Fay Memorial Fund will help in two ways. A sum of £4,000 will go towards the cost of the week, while £2,000 has been earmarked as match-funding for Societies organising their own activities as part of the event. Last year, over 18,000 people enjoyed activities at 116 venues, including galleries, museums, primary and secondary schools, craft and community centres, country parks and libraries. Events took place in all corners of the UK, from a puppet-making session in DEVELOPING SKILLSSupporting the maintenance of specialist craft skills and professional development have long been NADFAS objectives – one way this is achieved is through partnerships with carefully selected organisations.Bishopsland is an internationally recognised, post-graduate residential course, a bridge between university and professional life as a silversmith or jeweller.There is equal concentration on silversmithing skills and the professional skills needed to be able to work successfully as a self-employed maker. In 2015, the Patricia Fay Memorial Fund gave £5,000 to help two trainee silversmiths, Beth Hendricks (pictured above, seated) and Susan MacLeod (standing).“Without the bursary I wouldn’t have been able to come to Bishopsland to develop my making skills. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to be able to buy the materials I need and make my own designs,” says Beth. Susan adds: “I am really grateful for the support to learn new techniques and develop my skills. It also gives me the opportunity to launch my work at events such as Inspired and Art in Action.”Grant making by NADFAS has increased substantially in the last few years, in large part due to the NADFAS Gift Aid Scheme, as well as those Societies who loan deposits to the Patricia Fay Memorial Fund and individuals who have made outright gifts or bequests. Therefore, a great deal of thanks must go to the Societies and members who have made these grants possible. ■A £6,000 grant, plus Society activities, will help promote creativity during Children’s Art Week in JuneA £5,000 grant is helping 2 silversmiths gain vital craft and business experienceBonnybridge, Falkirk, to craft activities in a library in St Peter Port, Guernsey. This year it is hoped over 25,000 people will take part.Children’s Art Week is special because it reaches so many children. Last year 43% of participants were new visitors and 28% were audiences new to the arts, objectives that align closely with those of NADFAS. ■• ChildrenÕs Art Week 2016 takes place on June 11Ð19 across the country, see www.engage.org. GRANT GIVING “Whether its working with an artist, visiting a gallery or museum or making art at school, these experiences can inspire greater creativity in children and young people.” LOYD GROSSMAN CBE PRESIDENT OF NADFAS AND CHILDREN’S ART WEEK AMBASSADOR THE ART OF GIVING — 07