WHO WE ARE

The SVOBE schools want to train and educate each individual child of Sint Maarten holistically to reach his/her maximum potential in spirit, mind and body, and in so doing become a well- balanced, well-educated, member of society who adapts with ease and who will go on to make valuable contributions to our community and the world. SVOBE Schools (MPC and Sundial) cater to a third of all high school students of Dutch Sint Maarten (1136, ranging from VMBO to VWO).

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The National Institute of Art (NIA) is an interdisciplinary well-established art institution operating as a nationally and internationally recognized institution of the performing and visual arts inclusive of gymnastics and geared towards guiding the preservation, training, development, and promotion of these art forms. They do this by delivering classes to the public, forming performance groups, granting or assisting in the receipt of scholarships for outstanding or prospective performers/artists and for (potential) teachers. In general, to stimulate individuals and groups working in the same field. NIA cooperates with national and international institutions which are pursuing similar goals. NIA engages in developing curricula, rendering performances, producing programs, organizing lectures, workshops and other types of meetings and events connected to their objectives. They are mostly active in the arts and education sector.

 

WHAT WE DO

Currently NIA and MPC worked together in the Break Free Ceramic Project, funded by DNB-fund, in which PBL-PKL 2nd form students make ceramic artefacts (traditional coal pots or figurines) to portray the joy of emancipation. The two organizations share a ceramic kiln, placed at Milton Peters College, but to be used after school by both organizations.

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This follow-up project will encompass ceramic classes, teaching 3 different techniques with a focus on the history of Sint Maarten and combine the ceramic arts with Dance/Movement. This project will include weekly afternoon ceramics classes for MPC students after school, and workshops on cultural traditions of local pottery. These classes and workshops are also open to Sint Maarten public. Two exhibitions or market events will be organized, in a possible connection with the Sint Maarten Heritage Foundation & Museum.

 

WHO WE SERVE

The secondary school students are targeted for this project. The arts are not necessarily, especially ceramics, part of every level’s curriculum. Learning how to create ceramics with a historic element of the history of Sint Maarten can broaden their perspective and knowledge of the culture of Sint Maarten. Additionally, to open this to the general public can increase the reach of this knowledge even further. There are limited opportunities on the island to partake in ceramics classes.