Culture Minister visits Tyneside
14 May 2009
Andy Burnham visits Tyneside
Area Delivery Organisation: The Customs House - North & South Tyneside
Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, visited The Customs House Arts Centre today in his mission to discover how culture and creative learning is inspiring young people in North and South Tyneside. The Culture Secretary as met with a whole host of young people as well as locals working in the creative sector. Pupils from the Epinay Business and Enterprise School, a special school based in Jarrow, South Tyneside presented their latest routine with breakdancing champions, Bad Taste Cru.
So far, over 8,000 young people in North and South Tyneside have taken part in Find Your Talent, the Government’s pilot cultural offer for all children and young people. Members of the region’s Find Your Talent Youth Forum greeted the Secretary of State to explain local plans for the programme. Supported by the new national organisation Creativity, Culture and Education, the 10 Find Your Talent pathfinders across England, which includes The Customs House, are investigating how to ensure all children and young people have access to a wide range of quality and sustained cultural experiences, both in and out of school.
In addition, the Secretary of State is visiting North and South Tyneside because it is a hotbed of talent, and a creative learning hub, through the Creative Partnerships programme. The Government’s flagship creative learning programme is producing real results in the region having engaged over 49 local schools. Research shows that schools that work with Creative Partnerships improve their GCSE results faster, and seven out of 10 secondary head teachers say the programme improves pupil behaviour in their schools.
Ray Spencer, Executive Director of The Customs House commented: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to share the learning gained from delivering Creative Partnerships and Find Your Talent to North and South Tyneside. Working in partnership with local authorities, schools, parents, young people, the creative sector and other agencies we have put together a programme which is listening to young people whilst raising aspirations, self esteem, confidence and unlocking inherent talent, giving young people pride in themselves and their communities. We believe that supporting children and young people to develop their creativity is not just right for the individual but absolutely vital for the UK economy giving today the skills this generation will need to succeed tomorrow in careers yet to be created.”
Paul Collard, Chief Executive of Creativity, Culture and Education (CCE), the organisation overseeing Find Your Talent and Creative Partnerships at a national level, said: “We believe that exposure to the arts and culture can transform the aspirations, attainment, skills and life chances of children and young people. Find Your Talent and Creative Partnerships have been changing the lives of young people in North and South Tyneside and we are delighted to be showcasing their talents to Andy Burnham MP on his visit to The Customs House.”
