Hidden Beach Kids — Make, Play & Create with Arty artyMalarky

Hidden Beach Kids: Creative Arts & Crafts with Arty Farty Malarky
Delivered at De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea

Project Overview

This project delivers a series of participatory Creative Arts & Crafts workshops for children aged approximately 4–12, facilitated by Arty Farty Malarky and delivered at De La Warr Pavilion as part of the Hidden Beach Summer of Culture.

The workshops provide accessible opportunities for children to engage in hands-on creative practice through playful exploration of materials, colour, texture and simple making techniques. The emphasis is on creative process, experimentation and self-expression rather than on outcomes or technical skill.

The project supports children’s creative development, confidence, wellbeing and engagement with the arts in a non-pressurised, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Artistic & Educational Rationale

Early creative engagement supports cognitive development, emotional literacy, confidence and creative thinking. Many children have limited access to arts provision outside of school, particularly informal and exploratory creative spaces.

This project responds by offering low-barrier, high-quality creative experiences where children can:

• Explore materials and ideas freely
• Develop fine motor skills and sensory awareness
• Build confidence through creative choice and experimentation
• Experience creativity as something accessible and enjoyable

The workshops position creative practice as a shared cultural activity rather than a specialist or elite pursuit.

Participant Experience

Children will take part in a range of playful, accessible activities including:

• Collage and mixed-media making
• Simple painting and mark-making
• Recycled and found-material art
• Handmade decorations and creative keepsakes

Each session is facilitated in a way that encourages curiosity, imagination and enjoyment. Children are supported to try new ideas, make independent creative choices and take pride in what they create.

Access, Inclusion & Wellbeing

The workshops are designed to be:

• Open and accessible to children of different ages, abilities and backgrounds
• Non-competitive and non-judgemental
• Supportive of children’s emotional wellbeing and confidence
• Sensitive to different learning styles and needs

Materials and activities are adapted to ensure children can engage at their own pace and in ways that feel comfortable and empowering.

Community & Public Benefit

The project contributes to:

• Increased access to cultural activity for children and families
• Creative participation outside formal education settings
• Children’s confidence, expression and wellbeing
• Strengthening the cultural life of the local community

It supports Hidden Beach’s mission to embed culture into everyday life and create inclusive cultural pathways for younger audiences.

Delivery Details

• Format: Series of facilitated Creative Arts & Crafts workshops
• Age range: Approximately 4–12 years
• Location: De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea
• Lead facilitator: Arty Farty Malarky
• Programme: Hidden Beach Summer of Culture

Dates and times will be confirmed closer to delivery.

Intended Outcomes

Children will:

• Engage actively with creative practice
• Develop confidence and creative independence
• Improve fine motor skills and sensory awareness
• Experience creativity as accessible and enjoyable
• Feel welcomed into a cultural space

Strategic Alignment

This project aligns with priorities around:

• Children and young people’s access to culture
• Creative learning and development
• Wellbeing through creative activity
• Inclusive and community-based cultural provision