WELCOME TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR!

As the new school year begins, we look back over the exceptionally busy summer term and reflect on its successes. Over 1000 young people benefited from arts activities funded by The Helen Foundation (THF). 

For the first time in THF’s history, 10 schools combined in a joint project managed by Daisi, another Devon-based arts charity with whom we work very closely.  These 10 schools enjoyed in-depth workshops where they focused either on creating felt hangings working with artist Jess Carvill or 3-D wire sculptures led by artist and maker Iola Weir. The resulting exhibition of all their work displayed at Highweek School was a joy, and an appropriate record of their achievements.

Other striking elements of the summer term were the musical theatre performances supported by the Ella Philp Fund (EPF). This fund is hosted by The Helen Foundation on behalf of Darren and Kate Philp as a memorial to their daughter Ella age 19, who sadly died after a short illness. Ella’s passion was musical theatre. Grants from the EPF allow schools to buy licences for shows such as Matilda, and The Addams family, or to purchase equipment to significantly enhance the quality of their shows such as radio mikes and the accompanying audio technology so that young performers can be clearly heard in a large hall. More details below.