Nacro learners in Carlisle contribute to local art project

This month Nacro Carlisle learners  have been working with artist, Charlie Whinney, and Eden Rivers Trust, a charity which works to protect and conserve the river Eden, to design and create a wooden sculpture aimed at getting people in the local community to think positively about the river Eden following the devastating floods that hit Carlisle and the surrounding areas last December.
Nacro’s Carlisle education centre has previously worked with Eden Rivers Trust, and when they approached them about this project they were really keen to be involved, particularly since the floods last year meant that Nacro’s Carlisle education centre has had to be temporarily relocated to porter cabins.

The sculpture, which has been named “Marble Run: River” has been installed at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle. Nacro Carlisle staff and learners attended the unveiling ceremony where the sculpture was officially opened to the public.

The learners really enjoyed taking part in the project. It gave them an opportunity to learn more about the river Eden and environmental issues, they achieved a Bronze Arts Award as a result of their part in making the sculpture, and staff in Carlisle were able to link the work into lessons.

Special thanks to both Darrin Evans and Katherine Mackay for their involvement in the project and for supporting the learners throughout the whole process.