A Curious Visitor came to Cragside....

Image credit: Mark Savage

We’re delighted to share the journey of The Curious Visitor at Cragside Primary School, made possible by the generous support of Arts Council England and North of Tyne Combined Authority.

Imagine a whole year of exploration as Alex Elliott, our Curious Visitor captured the ebb and flow of school life.

Observe the changing seasons through The Curious Visitor’s keen eyes and ears, and marvel at the diverse rhythms of Cragside Primary – from bustling energy to serene quiet moments. Nature, music, children, grown-ups, and even pigeons became integral parts of this enthralling project.

Curiosity knows no bounds. The Curious Visitor engaged with students, teachers, and staff, asking them what caught their attention. This culminated in a rich body of work, reflecting the sights and sounds that define the unique life at Cragside Primary.

The Curious Visitor, Alex Elliott said: “It is clear that creativity can and should lie at the heart of education. It benefits everyone in so many ways. I have been enriched beyond measure by this collaboration and hope that other artists are inspired to seek out schools to work with. Thank you for this opportunity”.

Becky Jackson, Headteacher at Cragside Primary School said: “It was a real pleasure to have Alex as our 'Curious Visitor'. He looked at our school through fresh eyes and reflected back all that is wonderful about our Cragside family. Thank you Alex!”

Ready to find out more? You can explore the project in detail by clicking the seasons below. But that's not all! A special trail has been installed around the school perimeters, with QR codes on posters. Scan them and unravel more fascinating finds from this extraordinary journey.