Partnership Forum - bringing together representatives from the arts and cultural sectors

The Partnership Forum event at CREA, Redhills brought together representatives from the arts and cultural sector and other key stakeholders, to explore:
• what is meant by the Cultural Offer’
• how arts and cultural organisations might work effectively to make this provision more accessible for children and young people across Cumbria.

The programme included an up date from Chris May, chief executive , Curious Minds on the current findings of the national Find Your Talent programme.

The North& South Tyneside ‘Find Your Talent’ Pathfinder Team provided illustrations of how the challenges of engaging young people in the arts and culture were being met in their local authority areas.

Highlights of the day included presentations by:
- Young people from Brewery Arts Centre presenting the perspectives of those who face challenging circumstances. Their ‘stories’ helped delegates identify what should be done to help young people overcome the barriers within the community and their own personal lives that prevents them becoming engaged with artistic and cultural activities and the venues that provide these opportunities.

Young Vocal Leaders from Soundwave showed how their involvement with ‘singing’ and Arts Award has already had a positive impact on their outlook and aspirations.

The suggestions that were made in the seminar groups will inform the development of a partnership network and relevant strategies to promote the arts and culture to all children and young people across Cumbria . Watch this space!!