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'BIG BIRDS' ARRIVING AT CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Visitors to Cardiff International Airport can expect to see huge bird sculptures flying through the terminal this summer as part of an ambitious arts project.

The project sponsored by Cardiff International Airport and supported by Arts & Business Cymru links to Wales Millennium Centre‘s production of Wagner‘s Ring Cycle.   

The funding has enabled local artists to work with children from a number of schools in South Wales.  The first phase has now finished and the second, more ambitious phase has just begun. 

The first stage of the project ‘Rhinegold‘ followed a water theme and children from schools in Cardiff and Merthyr have written poetry exploring the ideas which will soon be published in a limited edition booklet.

They have also made banners, paintings and puppets, all illustrating the story of Wagner‘s Ring Cycle and its correlation to the history of Wales.  The artworks were so impressive that the Wales Millennium Centre has extended the exhibition to run until the end of April.

“We presented the children with certificates to celebrate their involvement in the first phase and the feedback was quite incredible”, said Jon Horne, managing director of Cardiff International Airport. “Both children and teachers told us they had learnt so much and that this initiative has really broadened their horizons.”

Rachel Jones, Arts & Business Cymru director, said, “This has been a fantastic project for the children, it‘s really captured their imagination and the finished work is stunning”.  

The second stage of the project, Valkyrie, will explore the theme of ‘Air‘ and Wales‘ history of aviation.  Artist Andy O‘Rourke will be working with children from Rhws Primary School, at Rhoose, near the airport, and Oakfield Primary School, St Mellons, in Cardiff, to build lightweight sculptures in the shape of birds, which will be displayed at the airport over the summer. 

Meanwhile, composer Michael Parkin will be working with children from Barry Comprehensive School on a performance that will include music, film and drama.  The piece will be performed both at Wales Millennium Centre and the airport at the end of the summer term.

Judith Isherwood, Wales Millennium Centre chief executive said, "This has been our most ambitious education project yet, and it is already achieving some wide ranging results which will leave a long lasting impression on all the children involved."

Jon Horne added, “Cardiff International Airport is very keen to support education in Wales. The next phase of the project which explores ‘air‘ is very exciting. We look forward to seeing the sculptures and the show, in a few months' time.”

 

ENDS             20th March 2007

For further information please contact Claire Sneddon, Sturgess Van Damme, on 01275 349011 or email claire@sturgessvandamme.co.uk