What is it?

‘Arts Explorers’ is an action research programme – primarily looking at ways of encouraging families with primary school aged children to get involved in arts and cultural activities.

Four pathfinders have been commissioned to provide additional evidence about ‘what works’ in the engagement of primary school aged children and their families. These are small scale projects that will build on existing provision and local strengths in Birkby (Kirklees), Worcestershire, Gateshead and Derbyshire. 

The programme is funded by Creativity, Culture and Education (CCE) and managed nationally by CapeUK. The Birkby pathfinder is being delivered at a local level by CapeUK and Kirklees Council’s Children and Young People Service.

 

Where did this idea come from?

‘Arts Explorers’ was initially about giving all young people a more even chance of getting into a profession in the future.

This idea was then generated and linked with other policies on working with whole families and other plans to create a ‘junior’ version of Arts Award which is a successful accreditation scheme for 11–25 year olds interested in the arts. 

 

What is going to be researched?

The four pathfinders aim to investigate what works, what doesn’t work and why? What makes it difficult for families to get involved in arts and cultural activities? How a recognition/reward scheme could make a difference?

However each of the four national pathfinders are taking a different approach to the above questions.  In Kirklees research will be specific to Birkby and will look into questions such as;

  • Would activities in very familiar settings encourage families to try something new? 
  • Can we highlight arts activities already enjoyed by particular cultural groups that could be shared across the community?
  • Can we identify locations for families to participate in arts and cultural activities?
  • What would be the benefits of creating a digital Arts Explorers passport that families will enjoy completing together?

 

For more information please contact Rosie Marcus, North West Director on 0161 237 9590.