About the Artists

“Could I just say a huge thank you to Barry and Ross. The activity was amazing and the childrens’ feedback stated that it was a favourite! I do think that it gave them ‘food for thought’ and a great insight to life in another country. I am very grateful that you could attend and hope to work together more!”
Sharon O’Rourke, Extended Schools Cluster Coordinator, Bedale High School, North Yorkshire about a Same Difference transition day workshop involving 12 feeder primary schools

Ross Georgeson is an arts educator who has worked with children affected by poverty and war for International Service all over the world.

He spent six years in the Occupied Palestinian Territories working at After School Cubs in refugee camps. During his time in the Middle East he organized the first arts summer camps in Gaza, introduced art for therapy for occupational therapists in Gaza and contributed creative therapy training at the University of Bethlehem.

Portrait of Ross Georgeson by a teacher in Hebron, July 2007: Ross Georgeson

Teacher painting Ross Georgeson in Hebron: Ross Georgeson

Ross also introduced child centred art and crafts in state kindergartens, primary and secondary schools and organized exhibitions of children’s art. From 2002-2004 he ran courses to train prospective teachers in the attitudes and skills needed for working with children in difficult circumstances. Ross has also published three teachers handbooks now used extensively throughout Palestine.

Ross was awarded the International Volunteer Human Rights Defender Award in December 2005 before commencing work on the Same Difference project.

Barry Perks is a designer with experience in graphics, theatre, publishing, exhibition and new media. He has worked with children in both art and sport spending two years in Nigeria working at a school for deaf and blind children and more recently delivering art workshops in Mali, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Bolivia and the UK.

Barry Perks in Mali, 2007

 

Ross Georgeson during a Same Difference art workshop in Bolivia: Tom Weller

 

Barry Perks mask making during a Global Art Day at Henshaws, 2009
Catherine Browne