ART historian and popular TV presenter Kate Bryan is backing the next Kick Start Art challenge for children, which this term has a theme of “Cakes”.

Strawberry cake by KSA volunteer Freya
Strawberry cake by KSA volunteer Freya (Kick Start Art)

“Kate has kindly made a special video message for the children taking part in our current Cakes challenge”, said Linda Williamson, a retired teacher who leads Kick Start Art, a termly challenge for local school aged children.

Queen Elizabeth's School student Harry's farming- and feline-focused entries
Queen Elizabeth's School student Harry's farming- and feline-focused entries (Kick Start Art)

“It’s a lovely endorsement of our small community project.”

Kate Bryan is an art historian, curator, author and well known presenter on Sky Arts and the BBC.

Cakes by Miss Hart, left, and Miss Down of Haywards Primary School
Cakes by Miss Hart, left, and Miss Down of Haywards Primary School (Kick Start Art)

“My husband bought me Kate Bryan’s book ‘How to Art’ for Christmas, and when I finally read it over the summer, I was struck by how closely Kate’s ideas about encouraging people to engage with art resonated with what I’m trying to achieve through Kick Start Art,” explained Linda.

Landscore Primary School pupil Bonnie's celebratory cake
Landscore Primary School pupil Bonnie's celebratory cake (Kick Start Art)

Linda set up Kick Start Art in 2024, to provide free creative opportunities for children and families across Mid Devon. Each term, Linda sets an art challenge with a particular focus on encouraging children and young adults to engage in more creative and artistic activities at home. Children are encouraged to participate, with prizes awarded to winners, runners-up, and all participants.

Belle of Haywards Primary School's cake
Belle of Haywards Primary School's cake (Kick Start Art)

“On a bit of a whim, I emailed Kate to tell her about the project and explain what we were doing. To my complete surprise, around 20 minutes later she replied saying she loved the project and asking how she could support us. She offered to make a video for the children and also offered some signed books that we could use as prizes.

“I’ve been in touch with Kate over the summer, and the video she has now made is the wonderful result of those conversations.

“We’re incredibly grateful for her support. Kate is a very busy and well-known figure in the art world, so for her to take the time to recognise a small community project in Mid Devon means a great deal to us.

“Kick Start Art has grown considerably since I started it, and we’re now seeing hundreds of children engaging with the projects and creating artwork at home and through their schools. The response has been wonderful, and Kate’s support feels like a lovely recognition of what the children - and the growing KSA team- are achieving.”

To find out about the next challenge, and to see Kate’s video, visit the Kick Start Art Padlet, where you will find lots of ideas, examples, techniques and how-to videos to help you get started.

You can also email the team at [email protected] for more information.

Closing date for this term’s Cakes challenge is Sunday, November 15.