In 2009 all Cultural Ambassadors were invited to apply for a grant of up to £250, which they could match fund to bring an artist into school or to pay for a creative CPD session.

Whickham School was one of the recipients of the grant, which they used to fund workshops with Cultural Partner Dylan Baker. Here is their report of the project:

The new Creative and Media Higher Diploma course got off to a great start last term thanks to our Cultural Ambassador Grant. Staff and students were privileged to work with Cultural Partner and photographer Dylan Baker, who provided an excellent learning experience for both staff and students. Indeed it was described as the best CPD event ever! Inspired by the Twilight novels, a theme of Dark Romance was chosen and this is how Louise from Year 10 described the day:-

"We visited Dylan Baker, a professional photographer, at his studio in Gilesgate, Durham to find out about his job, learn about photographic techniques and to take part in a fashion photo shoot.  Dylan organised a great day for us.  Firstly we worked with a make-up artist to create the Dark Romance look on the model. Once she was ready, we went out on location to nearby woods. While taking digital photographs of the model, who posed in a variety of places around the woods, we learnt about lighting, reflection, focus, composition and other photographic techniques. 

After lunch we took part in a second photo shoot back in the studio. This session was a head shot, aimed more towards beauty than fashion. Dylan taught us how to use a professional camera and equipment to enhance the quality of the photograph, such as the backdrop, spot lights and reflector. The photos will be displayed for public viewing soon.  We really enjoyed the day and would like to experience something similar again."

We can't praise Dylan highly enough for such a fabulous experience!

Watch this space for news of how the other grants were spent!...

Future funding opportunities will be announced in the fortnightly e-bulletins.