The installation was designed by Nottingham-based theatre designer Hannah Boothman, with creative input from the pupils, and is being displayed in our Wallner Gallery, right outside the entrance to the theatre.

Through a series of in-school craft workshops, the children showed off their artistic talents and built their confidence by designing and creating artworks connected to the story and characters of The Storm Whale. The installation is based on the beloved children’s book by Benji Davies, which features wonderfully atmospheric illustrations.

From drawing curious cats, to crafting beautiful lanterns, the children used a variety of art skills to make the exhibition extra-special. There was also input from two talented pupils from Year 6, who painting the billowing stormy sky cloth on the ceiling of the installation. Hannah Boothman worked with us to bring the display to life, creating a working lighthouse and puppet show theatre, which visiting children (and adults!) can enjoy.

Once finished, the display was officially opened by the pupils on Friday 13 December and can be enjoyed by the public until 5 January 2025. Some of the children’s cat drawings were digitally printed onto fabric and turned into soft toys for the display, leading to lots of excitement as the children spotted their drawing come to life. After the grand opening, the pupils enjoyed watching The Storm Whale show at Lakeside Arts with their classmates and teachers.

Sarah O’Connell, Headteacher, Djanogly Strelley Academy, said: “This was a wonderful way for the children to express themselves creatively and mark the start of the festive season. A big ‘thank you’ to Lakeside Arts for involving us in this exciting project.”

One pupil, Esmae aged 7, said “We enjoyed doing the drawings with the artist, we loved that they have turned our pictures of cats into cushions”

Whilst another, Musa, aged 8, said “It was great to see my artwork in the exhibition. My favourite part of the show was when Noi fell asleep in the storm, it was so funny!”

We have worked with the Djanogly Strelley Academy over the past three years to help raise attainment through creativity and to inspire children to showcase their creative skills. Rachel Feneley, our Learning Manager, said “It was lovely seeing the children so excited to open the installation and see all their hard work displayed on the walls, cushions and ceiling. Hannah has done a fabulous job at working with them and helping to realise their vision for the space. We love working with Djanogly Strelley Academy. The children get so much from working with artists in the classroom and visiting Lakeside, and I hope this is a partnership that can last long into the future.”

The Storm Whale runs until Sunday 5 January at Lakeside Arts. The Christmas display is free to view and can be found in the Wallner Gallery at Lakeside Arts, University Park Campus, Nottingham, NG7 2RD