CCI has developed an on-going programme of creative workshops in both primary and secondary schools in the East of England.
In these workshops, children are cast in the role of researchers, investigators and explorers. Active participation is a key element. This is how one of CCI’s artists describes the process:
“We encourage children to explore their own ideas and we take them on a journey that allows them to do so. We aim not to give them ideas or to suggest too much on discussing their work. We try to absorb their stories and suggest options and avenues they may wish to explore.”
CCI ran a programme of four-day residencies for Creative Partnerships Tendring called Talk About Tomorrow in 2006 involving two artists in six schools in Harwich and Clacton-on-Sea.
CCI was commissioned by Creative Partnerships Tendring to carry out research that would identify the distinctive qualities of the artists and creative practitioners involved and the impact of their work on the teachers and children.
Creative Partnerships is a government-funded programme delivered through Arts Council England that aims to give children in deprived areas throughout England the opportunity to develop creativity in learning and participate in cultural activities.
A copy of the research is available online: Talk About Tomorrow.
I learned that you shouldn’t just think about it, you should let your imagination run through.
Primary school child
This feels like golden time.
Primary school child
My child hasn’t stopped talking about this to me, my Mum, everyone … usually he doesn’t tell me anything about school.
Mother
