Printfest in Schools
Learning about printmaking
We aim to inspire young people with printmaking, encouraging the use of printmaking techniques and an appreciation of printmaking by others.
In 2022 we provided Primary and Secondary Schools with a printmaking brief to spark ideas for projects and artwork which was displayed at The Coro during Printfest.
Primary and Secondary school printmaking showreel
Upstairs in the Supper Room the show reel of Primary school work played continuously, while out on social media there was a short, fun look at the work on the walls – turn on the sound while you watch!
Instructional videos
Four instructional videos ~ Please feel free to use them during lessons, pausing the instructions as you go along ~ Click the image to view the videos in YouTube.




Above is a selection of the prints created by the school children in response to the brief
Primary and Secondary
Primary and Secondary school pupils in the local area have fully embraced our project. Using a range of printmaking techniques and a variety of creative responses to the brief, students have produced an impressive collection of work. The work was on display over the Printfest weekend, up the stairway and on a screen in the Supper Room. Watch this space as we have more exciting projects planned for next year.
We are thrilled to have displayed work from these schools:
Secondary schools
Appleby Grammar School
Dallam School
Drop Zone Youth Projects
Furness Academy
Lakes School
Queen Elizabeth School
Primary schools
Burlington Primary School
Cambridge Primary School
Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School
Ormsgill Primary School
Greengate Primary School
Newton Primary School
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
St Piux X Catholic Primary School
The brief
Broadcaster and natural historian David Attenborough has said: “The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.” “People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure.”
Many of the artists who display their work at Printfest make prints which celebrate our wonderful natural world. Take a look at the work of Helen Murgatroyd (food), Isobel Walker (water) and Jo McChesney (air) for a few examples.
The outcome
• Four demonstrations videos were created to be viewed on the Printfest website.
• Secondary school work was displayed on the walls up and down the main staircases.
• Upstairs in the Supper Room the show reel of Primary school work played continuously.
• Workshop placements were offered to teachers.
For further information about getting involved please email: est.smith@hotmail.co.uk or Lorraine.Thompson@cumbria.gov.uk


