International artist visit celebrates creativity and OBE recognition at Acre Hall Primary School

Children at Acre Hall Primary School in Flixton enjoyed an inspiring creative day on 29 January 2026, when internationally acclaimed artist Tony Green visited the school. The visit took place on the same day that Bright Futures Educational Trust CEO (Interim), Lisa Fathers, collected her OBE for services to education at St James’ Palace.

During the visit, Tony worked closely with a group of pupils to deliver a hands-on workshop focused on creativity, confidence and self-expression. Inspired by Tony’s distinctive style, the children created their own bold, individual artworks, learning more about the creative process and building confidence in exploring their own ideas.

The workshop offered a meaningful opportunity for personal development. Pupils were encouraged to take creative risks, trust their instincts and feel proud of their achievements. Working directly with an internationally recognised artist helped pupils see how creativity and ambition can open doors.

Alongside the pupil workshop, Tony also produced a commemorative artwork recognising Lisa Fathers’ OBE, which she collected that same day at St James’ Palace. The piece recognised the OBE as a shared honour, reflecting Lisa’s belief that it belongs to all the colleagues and partners she has had the privilege of working with across the education sector. It also connected with Bright Futures’ vision of achieving ‘the best for everyone and the best from everyone’, capturing the warmth, pride and shared purpose that shaped the day.

Tony Green said: “Working with children at Acre Hall was fantastic. Creativity builds confidence and belief in what’s possible, and the pupils here brought such enthusiasm and originality to their work.”

The visit also built on Acre Hall Primary School’s commitment to arts and creativity, following its achievement of the Artsmark Gold Award. The award has supported staff and pupils in embedding arts and culture across the curriculum, strengthening learning, wellbeing and self-belief.

One pupil who took part in the workshop said: “It made me feel really proud because my ideas mattered. Meeting an artist in real life made me feel like maybe I could grow up to do something creative too.”

Lisa Fathers OBE said: “Collecting my OBE on the same day as seeing children experience such an inspiring opportunity was incredibly meaningful. It felt important to show children that creativity, ambition and hard work really can create opportunities.”

The event highlighted Bright Futures Educational Trust’s ongoing commitment to providing enriching experiences that support personal development, nurture ambition and ensure creativity remains a central part of education across its schools.