ONE WORLD PROJECT
This 18-month project involved working with children aged 5–11 to produce a children's book and four animation films exploring environmental care and sustainability. The project was developed in collaboration with lead artist Annie Goliath and composer/sound artist Black Astronaut, and in partnership with local artists, the Hastings Fishermen's Museum, Project Artworks and Arts Award. Five groups of children from three primary schools (Woodlark Autism Provision, Robsack Wood Primary Academy and All Saints CE Junior Academy) took part in literature, art, animation, sound and digital media workshops. The participating children created a storyboard, produced artwork, recorded voice-overs and foley sounds, learnt animation and other digital media skills, and presented their work. This project had strong links with literature, art and design, history, music, computing, science and PSHE, providing opportunities for children to develop creative, practical, and critical thinking skills. The project provided inclusive and accessible workshops, with additional support to enable children on the autism spectrum to engage in all activities.
Follow the Moon Home is an adapted film based on the book Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids and a Hundred Sea Turtles. The story follows a child who moves to the seaside and brings a community together to protect sea turtles along the South Carolina coast. The children explored how young people can make a meaningful difference through determination, teamwork, and collaborative action.
An Adventure to the Seaside in Hastings is based on a children's book created during this project. It imagines a day in the life of Alaina, who travels from London to sail on a Hastings fishermen's boat with her grandfather and later has extraordinary dreams about the experience. The children also developed understanding of the sustainable Hastings fishing fleet and local marine environments, engaging with environmental stewardship.
10 Things I Can Do to Help My World is an adapted film from the book of the same name, providing practical strategies and actions for children to care for the environment.
The Observer of Nature is an adapted film based on the book The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps. It traces Jane Goodall's life from her childhood in the UK to her research with chimpanzees in Tanzania and her environmental activism. The children explored the life of this inspirational female role model and reflected on the importance of caring for nature.
Each participating child received an Arts Award certificate at Explore level, recognising their creativity, digital and collaborative skills, and learning throughout the project. All photographs and artwork are used with the permission of parents and carers, ensuring children’s contributions are shared ethically and safely.
FILMS
FINAL SCREENING
The project culminated in a local screening with the participating children, their parents/carers, and educators at the Electric Palace Cinema. It was a wonderful evening in which the children’s incredible hard work, creative skills, and the important stories in each of the films were celebrated together.
