Half term at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Celebrate October half term at Yorkshire Sculpture Park with events celebrating Black History Month, the Big Draw 2011 and a new trail designed to uncover the myths and secrets surrounding the recently opened 150 acres of historic lakes and woodland.

This October, YSP takes part in Black History Month by celebrating Afro-Caribbean traditions with an eclectic mix of fun activities for all the family. On Saturday 22 October visitors can embrace the spirit and freedom of carnival by creating their own headdresses, learning dance moves and taking part in lively and uplifting Calypso singing workshops with Mango Arts. Visitors can also sample the tastes of the Caribbean in an interactive and hands-on healthy Caribbean cooking experience led by YUM.

Throughout the day steel pan music, performed by awarding-winning youth bands Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows, Leeds Silver Doves and Foxwood Steel will be heard across the Park.

Between the 24 and 30 October, families are invited to uncover the myths and hidden secrets surrounding the newly opened 150 acres of historic lakes and woodland. Visitors can pick up a free Young Explorers Hidden Myths Trail leaflet from the YSP Centre and then enter their findings for the chance to win a Young Explorers gift pack, which is part of the new Young Explorers range in the YSP Shop.

On 26 and 27 October visitors are invited to take inspiration from the drawings of YSP exhibiting artist Rachel Goodyear by participating in the workshop Me and Other Creatures, part of the Big Draw 2011 celebrations. Participants will be able to create drawings and flip books exploring self portraits and representations of their favourite creatures. Rachel Goodyear: Modifications of the Host, runs in the Bothy Gallery until 3 January.

The main exhibition by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa continues in the Open Air and Underground Gallery until 22 January 2012.

Half term event listings
Yum Caribbean Cooking Workshops
22.10.11 / 10.30 / 12.00 / 13.30
Suitable for children age 5+ / Free

Mango Arts Carnival Workshops
22.10.11 / 10.30 / 12.00
Suitable for children age 5+ / Free

Calypso Singing
22.10.11 / 13.30 & 15.00
Suitable for children age 5+ / Free

Steel Pan Music
22.10.11 / 12.30 & 13.15 (YSP Centre) & 14.30 (YSP Learning) / Drop in / Free

Young Explorers: Hidden Myths Trail
24-30.10.2011 / Drop in / YSP Centre
Suitable for children age 7+ / Free

Me and Other Creatures Big Draw Family Workshop
26+27.10.11 / 10.30–12.30 & 13.30–15.30 / £4
All materials provided

Find out more and book online

Notes to editors
As an independent art gallery, accredited museum and registered charity (number 1067908), YSP's core work is made possible by investment from Arts Council England, Wakefield Council, The Henry Moore Foundation and West Yorkshire Grants.

About Black History Month
Black History Month is celebrated throughout October to promote knowledge of Black History and celebrate the impact of Black communities on British culture. Black History Month at YSP is part of a new community programme celebrating Afro-Caribbean traditions, in association with Mango Arts and YUM.

About Mango Arts and YUM
Mango Creative Arts is a visual theatre company specialising in sustainable Carnival Arts and holistic approaches. YUM is an established social business that is determined to address the well reported and rising problems of poor food culture which is prevalent and causing concern in society today.

About The Big Draw 2011
Launched as a one-day event in 2000, The Big Draw is now an annual month-long festival of over one thousand events across the UK. Every October, museums, galleries, heritage sites, libraries, schools and parks join in, inviting people of all ages to discover how drawing can connect them with their surroundings and the wider community.