Creative Fusion Success

Creative Fusion was an event to celebrate the talent of children and young people across Cumbria. Hosted by Creative Futures Cumbria, it took place at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal and brought together over fifteen schools and Kendal College with around 150 children and teenagers. Seven acts showcased talent in dance, film, drama, music and visual art, enjoyed by a full house of two hundred people. MC for the night was Lakeland Radio DJ, Simon Yaxley.

Creative Futures Cumbria is a creative learning organisation working across Cumbria with schools, the community and creative people. Creative Fusion was the opportunity to celebrate what children and young people achieved, boosting their experience, skills and confidence.
Child from North Lakes Primary School child said: “Being on stage singing made me feel really powerful. Everyone was clapping.”

As well as performing, young people also helped with planning and in many practical and creative ways, for example by designing an exhibition of the acts and co-ordinating technical support. It was ‘an event for young people by young people’. Giving the responsibility to older students for filming, managing and photographing the event provided valuable mentoring for the younger performers.

Also giving coaching and support were Creative Ambassadors, who are professional people collaborating with CFC to raise aspirations in young people by talking to them about opportunities for the future. Students from South Lakes Federation (including Queen Elizabeth School, Queen Katherine School and Kendal College) were coached by a creative director, an event manager and a TV presenter/journalist.

South Lakes Federation/Kendal College tutor said ‘The students certainly seem to have enjoyed it and gained some valuable experience too. It would be great to be involved again.’

Creative Futures Cumbria is funded through the Creative Partnerships/Creativity Culture and Education, Arts Council England NW, Cumbria County and other charitable trusts.

After Creative Fusion, Creative Futures Cumbria is considering ‘what next’? Building on the success of collaborating with young people and giving them more opportunities to work with creative professionals will be at the heart of their work.
Viv West, Project Manager and Co-ordinator of Creative Fusion, 23 Oct