The Bedford Clanger is dedicated to spreading the word about the rich and diverse cultural activities that are available in our town. We are so lucky to have some great museums, theatres and galleries on our doorstep as well as inspirational artists, poets, makers, crafters and performers making great art happen in Bedford. Therefore, we are totally LOVING The Culture Challenge – an initiative to encourage more young people to access art and culture in Bedfordshire.
Through consultation with young people, cultural leaders and teachers, Bedford Culture Network has developed the ‘Culture checklist’. The list provides an aspirational checklist for young people, and a practical tool for schools to identify opportunities for cultural learning.
Think you’re cultured?? Then why not have a go at the Culture Checklist yourself here.
Research identified by the Cultural Learning Alliance shows that engagement with the arts improves attainment across all areas (you don’t say? – Ed) and has the potential to improve the future prospects of young people. In support of these aims Bedford Culture Network have developed The Culture Challenge. Both a call to action and a directory, The Culture Challenge aims to increase the number of young people accessing, enjoying and making great art and culture by providing clear information to all schools about the cultural provision available.
The Culture Challenge website is www.culturechallenge.co.uk
The website is a brilliant and comprehensive directory of a host of cultural practitioners and venues in Bedfordshire. The directory is searchable in a number of ways including by theme, art form and location.
It has been developed by Kayte Judge at Bedford Creative Arts in collaboration with head teachers, young people & cultural practitioners. It is currently being tested by 12 development partner schools, namely Lincroft, Mark Rutherford Upper, St Josephs RC Lower School, Aspley Guise Lower School, Hazeldene Lower School, Beauchamp Middle School, Goldington Academy, Shortstown Primary, Putnoe Primary, Biddenham Upper School, Rushmoor School and Greys Education Centre.
“It is with great pride that we are launching the Culture Challenge in Bedford – the wealth and quality of the cultural provision here is really quite astonishing and we hope that this initiative will enable more young people and schools to access the fantastic opportunities available to them.” says Kayte Judge, Associate Producer Bedford Creative Arts. “We hope to encourage teachers to use this resource to find quality cultural provision to support the school curriculum.”
The Culture Challenge is funded by the Royal Opera House Bridge, The Harpur Trust, Bedford Borough Council and The RSA Catalyst Fund.
The website www.culturechallenge.co.uk
For more info please contact Kaytej@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
