THE National Galleries of Scotland is to feed 500 children over the school summer holidays.
Youngsters will be given hot lunches and fruit through the Art Fuel programme at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, with additional servings for their parents and carers.
Free bus travel will also be laid on to help those from struggling families to access the facilities.
Those taking part will be drawn from 20 community groups from across Edinburgh, with artists leading sessions.
Siobhan McConnachie, head of education at National Galleries of Scotland, said: “We want all children to reach their full potential, and art is really important in the development of creativity, as well as in the cognitive development of children’s brains. Art also helps in the expression of children’s thoughts, as well as their social skills.
“The art activities will hopefully give children opportunities to build confidence in trying out new skills and ideas. We hope it gives parents the confidence to bring children back to the galleries to look the art.
“We’re also providing meals, something that schools or nurseries would provide in term time, to help ensure everyone is fully fuelled.”
School meals are free to all pupils in P1-3, and up to the age of 16 in the case of low income. Similar provisions are also in place for pre-school children, but charities such as the Child Poverty Action Group Scotland have warned holiday time places an additional burden on parents struggling to make ends meet.
The Trussell Trust food bank network has also revealed how demand soars when classes are off and North Lanarkshire Council now provides weekend and holiday meals for youngsters entitled to free dinners.
The gallery scheme is supported by People’s Postcode Lottery and caterers Heritage Portfolio.
Jacqui Bain, a lifelong learning officer at City of Edinburgh Council, will take youngsters from the family summer programme at Royston Wardieburn community centre to the Art Fuel sessions. She said: “There are many parents who struggle over the school holidays.
“This is a great opportunity to show families that the galleries are welcoming places and free and open to everyone.”
Glasgow University’s Professor Nicolas Watson, who recently published a report on the Cost of School Holidays for Children from Low Income Families, commented: “Summer holidays can be difficult for families with low incomes and these are just the sort of initiatives we need.”
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