Summer 2025: HAF Programme
Image: Dan Foley
HAF is a national Department for Education funded programme that enables eligible young people to attend free activities and experiences and includes a hot lunch. You can find out more about it here.
This summer the Herbert offered 12 days of activities led by artists on the theme of ‘Sustainable Summer’, and/or our summer exhibitions. Brick Dinos by Warren Elsmore explored the prehistoric world brought to life with stunning LEGO creations, whilst Jason and the Adventure of the 254 exhibitions by Jason Wilsher-Mills, revisited childhood memories of what was happening inside and outside his body, during the transformative experience of becoming disabled as a child and his creative awakening.
Libby Esler led a Textile portraits workshop where young people repurposed old clothes to create collaged pieces in their likeness.
Not only did the session encourage young people to think twice before sending clothes to landfill, but it also encouraged introspection. What makes you unique?
Edward Thrush led a Seed Paper Characters workshop. Using shapes of figures taken from the museum's collections, and using paper infused with seeds, young people were then encouraged to create characters.
These could then be left in soil, either in the gardens or around the city so that the figures would deteriorate and sow the seeds whilst spilling the museum beyond its doors without creating litter and encouraging the growth of pollinating flora.
Lucy Prior (IG: @whimsynlines) introduced young people to the technique of decoupage in her workshop.
Using bottles and containers which would otherwise become household rubbish, young people created a decoupage city reminiscent of the way their view of Coventry.
Siti Musa (IG: sitimusa_official) led a workshop which introduced young people to traditional Malaysian textiles.
Through this Pancawarna Weaving workshop young people explored their connection to their environment.
Pancawarna is means “five colours” or “many colours” and was used to investigate the emotional and cultural landscapes of our communities.
Seema Mattu led a Clay Character Creations workshop.
This was another workshop that encouraged young people to think about the world around them before pushing them to think beyond this.
In this session, young people stretched their imaginations to build worlds and design characters which were later made into small figurines.
Lily Friesen (IG: lilyfriesenart) led a Future Fossils workshop.
The session started with some fossil handling and a look at some of our fossil collection.
Young people were introduced to biomaterials made from eggshells and used them to create imitation fossils using imprints moulded from Lego and clay.
Tarla Patel introduced young people to Zine’s before guiding them to make their own using experimental techniques.
Focusing on colour, shape and finally, identity. Young people zoned in on their special interests and refined ideas inspired by visits to the gallery spaces.
Jo Essen (IG: happy_valley_priory_fields) taught young people how to carve soap.
In this workshop a common household object became an art supply, showing young people how art can also be functional and sustainable.
Paul Lemmon shared his artistic style in his Pixel Painting workshop.
Again, young people were called to look at the world around them to create a piece of art. They learnt how to mix colours and curate a colour palette before abstracting a landscape piece.
Olugbemi Moronfomu introduced young people to the world of natural dyes.
In this workshop young people used pigmented spices and vegetable derivatives to create tie dyed tote bags.
They experimented with colour concentration leaning into the unpredictable nature of natural dyes.
Studio four2 Collective (IG: studio_four2collective) led a workshop on Stop Motion Animation. The learning space became a mini studio where young people created Lego scenes and used iPads to create shortform films.
For the final session I (Amara Lawrence) led a Junk Journalling workshop.
Young people customised faux leather journals which can be refilled again and again for future crafty fun.
This summer two of our young people took part in enough sessions to complete Arts Award Explore.
To create their final pieces, they reflected on the workshops, mediums and techniques they had enjoyed the most.
Alana’s final piece is painting titled ‘ Spinewood’ inspired by art work she’s seen and places she’s been. She says:
“My favourite activity is figurines with Seema. It was my favourite because I found it creative and it meant I could use my imagination.”
“I learnt how to use Procreate and use my imagination to make a deity and my own world. I really enjoyed learning from Seema.”
Image: Dan Foley
Emily’s final piece was the tote bag she dyed in Olugbemi’s workshop.
She says: “My favourite activity was making the bags because you can just get loads of colours and just have fun experimenting.”
“The thing I learnt from this activity was you can make dye from all kinds of stuff.”
Article written by Amara (Learning team, Culture Coventry)