Poet, writer and broadcaster, Ian McMillan, better known as the ‘Bard of Barnsley’, will front a major regional arts conference.  The event, entitled ‘Creating the Future’ looks at the role the arts have to play in 21st century education and learning and aims to attract delegates from the education, youth, community and cultural sectors across Yorkshire.  The conference has been initiated by ArtForms, Education Leeds, an organisation which supports schools to provide high quality learning opportunities in and through the arts.  Funding for the event has come from Arts Council England in Yorkshire.

Clare Price, Head of Arts Development at ArtForms in Leeds, said: “The aim of the event is to look at how we can ensure children and young people continue to access the highest quality arts provision wherever they live and learn.  We hope the conference will offer a day of lively debate, reflection and solution building.”

Ian is one of the inspirational keynote speakers and workshop leaders who will be delivering ‘Creating the Future’.  Maggie Atkinson, the Children’s Commissioner for England, and Pat Cochrane, Director of CapeUK, will also give keynote presentations.

Pat Cochrane says "There is so much evidence that if you engage children in arts and culture it boosts their sense of self belief, their confidence, their ability to make decisions and to deal with difficult ideas.  There is a danger that a polarisation is being created with a focus on raising standards and regarding arts and culture as softer subjects.”

CapeUK will also host a stall in ‘The Store’ which will be a market place of over 50 arts organisations and individual artists showcasing some of the best arts provision in the region.

Cluny Macpherson, the Regional Director of the Arts Council in Yorkshire, said: “The arts have a vital role to play in nurturing the skills and capacities required for a modern workforce.  They are also great fun. This conference will enhance our understanding of how we can tap into and develop children’s natural creativity – so that their lives will be enriched and many can emerge as the artists and audience members of the future.”

For further information contact Helen Taylor at ArtForms, Leeds on  0113 230 4074, email helen.taylor@educationleeds.co.uk or go to www.artformsleeds.co.uk

 

Click here to read Yorkshire Post article about the conference