
Patina (Parents and Teachers in the Arts) was set up in 2001 by a group of parents and teachers in Lewes who were concerned that art was being given less emphasis in the national curriculum.
We are a registered charity working to create:
-
new opportunities for children and teachers to work directly with local professional artists
-
celebratory arts events that bring benefit to the whole community
We raise funds, coordinate artists, promote and advocate for the arts, support parents and teachers – and oversee the production of the Moving On Parade.
We have grown and developed over the years. From the six schools who participated in the first years, we now have 15 schools involved with Patina every year. Our flagship activity is the district wide arts project that culminates in the Moving On Parade.
Each year we choose a Moving On theme that we develop with the children through a range of activities and presentations. We organise workshops in carnival arts for the children in all our schools, working with our Patina artists to create a stunning moving tide of sculptures, costumes and music that is the much loved Moving On Parade through central Lewes. The procession culminates in a community party in the Paddock Park.
The parade is an important part of the local cultural calendar, much anticipated by the children who participate in it as well as by the whole community. It is a celebration of the local children's transition from primary school and into adolescence. Since 2002, over 8000 children have taken part in this unique rite of passage.
In 2022 Caroline Croft, who has been Director of PATINA since 2013, was awarded a BEM in the Queen's Birthday Honours for her services to the arts and young people in East Sussex.
Patina is registered with the Charity Commission number 1149418
the patina team

Caroline Croft
Director
Caroline has been Patina's Director since 2013 and looks after strategy and planning, communications, fundraising, partnerships, production and community engagement.

Cara Flowers
Arts Manager
Cara brings a wealth of experience in the arts to Patina and coordinates our artist team, links with all our schools, manages arts materials and helps with fundraising.

Katy Hay
Arts Administrator
Katy has recently joined our team and is looking after admin, the fantastic events run by Patina and assisting with marketing and fundraising.

Emma Carlow
Graphic Designer
Emma is our superstar graphic designer who kindly donates her time to Patina, creating our wonderful logos and posters every year.
Patina Trustees
Gemma Collins (Treasurer)
Marketing and Finance, self employed
Kevin Scott
Chartered Financial Planner at Herbert Scott
Lisa Walker
Deputy Headteacher at Southover CE Primary School
Helen Derbyshire
Museum Development
Karen Flack
Headteacher at Buxted CE Primary school
Abbie Stanton
Animator, Designer and Maker
Patina artists

Kathryn Jordon
Artist
