Manuja, Year 11, Century Park Campus

Firstly, I would like to explain what the AIR programme is all about. AIR stands for ‘Artist-in Residence’, and the AIR programme is unique to YCIS amongst the international schools in Shanghai. The AIR works directly together with the students on collaborative art projects, using different artistic materials, media, and different themes. The AIR also helps the students develop their artistic skills. Pieces created by the AIR are also showcased around the school for students to study and enjoy, inspiring them by the beauty in art.

At YCIS Shanghai’s Century Park Campus, our Artist-in-Residence is Ms. Esther Chow. Ms. Chow is from Hong Kong and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Much of Ms. Chow’s work is based on observation, such as items in nature. She has built puppets out of recycled materials with the students and has also used sculpting paint to create a floral still life with them. Ms. Chow has ongoing studies of colors, mark-making, materials, and tools with her students. This most definitely increases the confidence of the students as they discover new mediums in art and they develop their skills.

As an IGCSE Art student, the AIR program has inspired me in many ways. Many students can be a bit nervous about taking Art after Lower Secondary due to the amount of coursework required; however, with the introduction of the AIR program, it seems to me that the students are enjoying art and are planning to study it further. Also, with the AIR programme, students discover skills by working together with a professional artist, which is such a unique privilege for YCIS students in IGCSE and IB. Lastly, I appreciate the fact that the AIR programme teaches students how to contribute to the school itself through activities and projects.

The AIR programme has many advantages because of what it teaches the students, how it prepares them for the future, and how it helps them gain confidence in the subject. I truly appreciate what our school offers us through the AIR programme.