Creativity is one of those words that is tricky to get our heads around, especially in relation to young children. On the one hand, we know what it means when we feel creative or are inspired by someone else being creative. On the other hand, it’s hard to pin down and put a satisfactory definition to it. One of the reasons for this is because creativity encompasses so many aspects of what it means to be human, from imaginative and conscious thought to more intuitive, less conscious... more
What is the importance of creativity for young children? Ruth Churchill Dower explores the wide-ranging and ultimately limitless benefits of arts activity.
13 Dec 2018
Feature
Why do some in the sector feel that babies and toddlers have little to offer as audiences or participants? On the contrary, says Charlotte Arculus, working with this group is never boring.
13 Dec 2018
Case study
A non-verbal approach to music-making for the very youngest children offers a comfortable environment for new parents experiencing anxiety, as well as a joyful time for babies, says Hannah Baker.
13 Dec 2018
Case study
Stratford Circus Arts Centre, based in an area of London with high levels of child poverty, has come to realise that providing low-cost hot meals can help it engage with local families. Tania Wilmer tells the story.
13 Dec 2018
Feature
The opportunities for very young children to experience the arts in rural Devon are few, as well as inconvenient and expensive. How can less culturally engaged families enjoy live performances, asks Amy Bere.
06 Dec 2018
Feature
Local authority cuts to the arts may be widely reported, but some councils are investing serious money in cultural development, says Andrew Dixon.
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06 Dec 2018
Feature
Making a product or service scarce or exclusive has become an effective way to attract customers in other sectors. Tim Baker explores how it might work in the arts.
06 Dec 2018
Feature
Venues need a better understanding of customer spending habits for purchases like pre-show meals and interval drinks. James McClure explains how a ticketing solution is providing a comprehensive view.
06 Dec 2018
Feature
Reclusive artist John Middleton has just held his first exhibition for 40 years. He explains why he rejected the world of commercial art to 'become a caveman'.
06 Dec 2018
Case study
Mark Doyle says that a clear sense of purpose has encouraged leading artists to participate in an ambitious programme of contemporary exhibitions in Rochdale.
29 Nov 2018
Feature
How can Arts Council England do more to include the voices of people with experience of the criminal justice system? The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance talks to artist and former prisoner Erika Flowers.
29 Nov 2018
Feature
Should trustees on arts boards always be expected to give a donation, as is commonly the case in the US? Michelle Wright weighs up the pros and cons of this thorny issue.
29 Nov 2018
Case study
Three cultural organisations in Wiltshire are now under one collective umbrella, giving them the opportunity to share data and cross-promote performances and offers, says Alice Young.
29 Nov 2018
Case study
Nathan Geering explains how a hip-hop dance production has helped give a voice to young people in the care system.
29 Nov 2018
Case study
Vital Spark is a national initiative aiming to create more inclusive and diverse performances for children and young people. Tara Lopez tells the story.
22 Nov 2018
Feature
Secondary schools have been subject to cutbacks in music education, but we shouldn't lose sight of the many recent successes and advances in this area, argues Carol Reid.
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