A New Group is Encouraging Arts at Stoke-on-Trent Schools

Posted on Monday, June 12, 2017

A New Group is Encouraging Arts at Stoke-on-Trent Schools

Recently, we've been talking about the new housing initiative between Stoke and London; we've also closely followed the City of Culture 2021 Campaign. Now we're going to talk a little about education.

 

As a city dedicated to art, music and local culture, Stoke-on-Trent is a place that many talented people proudly call their hometown.

 

Now, to help improve young people's access to cultural experiences, a new local group is encouraging every school in the city to appoint an arts champion.

 

These champions or ambassadors, most of whom are likely to be existing teachers, would essentially become a point of contact for theatres, museums, artists and other creative professionals looking to work with their schools.

 

By appointing an arts champion, it could make it easier for schools to apply for joint funding for projects while sharing ideas on how to bring music, drama, dance and art into children's learning and inspire younger generations to express themselves in a host of artistic ways.

 

The new Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle Cultural Education Partnership (CEP) is made up of representatives from local authorities, schools and colleges, and cultural and heritage organisations - and the group is, of course, backing the 2021 UK City of Culture bid.

 

To make sure this new creative pursuit is as successful as possible, local arts council Arts Connect ran a survey to see what kinds of activities young school-goers would like to see developed.

 

Speaking to the Sentinel, Arts Connect's associate director Pepita Hanna said...

 

“Young people are being much more independent, using digital technology to create their own work. It's providing platforms for them to become artists, producers and authors. We are keen to know what they are doing and what they are interested in.

 

“There does appear to be gaps in certain areas. There are also issues about access. We know schools are under pressure with the curriculum and budgets.

 

“But some of the ideas might not need much money, and some of it might be about supporting schools to get external funding."

 

It's plain to see that Stoke-on-Trent cares greatly about the education of its youth and the preservation of its creative heritage - and as a city on the up, this place will be brimming with talent in years to come.

 

Speaking of creative arts. Did you know that Stoke-on-Trent has featured in many film and TV show? Well, you can check our top four favourite big and small screen appearances here.