BALTIC recently joined with Change4Life, the National Health Services' campaign for a healthier lifestyle.

Over seven days, over 3,000 children and their families visited Level 1 at BALTIC and took part in an art activity with a difference. Action Art! allowed children to get messy while being creative, using a selection of items such as bouncy balls, skipping ropes, paint brushes and sponges as well as brightly coloured paint, to produce a giant artwork. Participants were encouraged to use movement and action to create the patterns and shapes on the banner. Different styles of accompanying music were used to change the tempo of the painting session.The end result is a large scale banner, measuring over 60 meters long, which can be seen on the concrete wall between BALTIC and The Sage Gateshead from now until 19 April.

Action Art! is a partner project with NHS North East.

Action Art! for Schools

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, mima Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art and NHS North East would like to invite schools to get involved with the Change4Life campaign by taking part in a competition to work with artists to create an environment which encourages a healthy lifestyle throughout the region.

10 winning schools will have the opportunity to work with an artist at school for 5 days towards an exhibition at BALTIC and mima in September 2010. All you need to do is send a short proposal for how you would approach this theme should you have an artist based at your school for 5 days. (No longer than 2 sides of A4 or a short film.)

In September 2010, there will be an exhibition at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary and mima to showcase and celebrate the work of everyone involved. This exhibition will be open to the public during the Autumn term following a preview event to which pupils, teachers, parents and carers will be invited. Please note that the full costs of an artist based at school for 5 days as well as the exhibition installation and preview event would be covered by BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, mima and Change4Life.

If your school is interested in taking part in this competition, please email change4life@balticmill.com or telephone reception on 0191 478 1810 by Friday 5 February so that we can send you further information and a promotional pack.

Action Art! is a partner project with NHS North East and mima Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art.