Secretary of Culture visits Allenscroft Primary School

On Monday 5 November, James Purnell MP, Secretary of Culture, came to Birmingham to meet children, artists and creative partners of the Creative Partnerships (CP) Programme in Birmingham in order to learn more about developing creativity in a school context; what has happened in schools through CP work and the impact that it has had. James Purnell MP viewed CP work by artist Abi Davey and Year 5 & 6 children. Artist Abi Davey and the children at Allenscroft Primary had made a film as a direct response to national competition ‘Name in Lights’ exploring the notions of celebrity/non celebrity identities using fish to represent the different identities.

Following meeting with the pupils and head teacher he had an opportunity to meet with representatives from the major organisations in the city that CP have been working with, including Birmingham Rep, Ikon Gallery, Fierce! Festival, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Birmingham City Council to discuss the expansion of the creative and cultural offer for young people and how we might make this happen.

He said ’’If we are to reach our goal of every child having access to a rich creative and cultural offer, it is vital that we get the chance to listen to those people delivering these opportunities on the frontline. I was really inspired by the visit; and your students’ creativity!”