The 3-year project in partnership with North Edinburgh Arts, will focus on children’s rights, placing them at the heart of the creative process and decision making for the first time.
In the first year, children from Forthview Primary School in Pilton will work closely with artists to co-create a new performance, which will be presented first in their local community and then at the Children’s Festival Family Encounters day at the National Museum. The performance will give a central role to children’s ideas, interests and voices.
The project aims to develop children’s confidence, creativity and sense of self-efficacy. Young people will be involved as collaborators from the beginning of the project, from the commissioning process through to the creation of professional theatre or dance performances. Creative Encounters is focused on the incorporation of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and how this important document can expand our relationship and work with children and young people.
Lou Brodie, Imaginate’s Creative Project Facilitator said:
“We’re really excited about developing a new project centered on young people’s voices and putting them at the heart of the decision making process. We’re also really looking forward to seeing what that will mean for Imaginate over the next 3 years, how taking a rights-based approach will influence all the other aspects of our work!”
Watch Lou talk about the project in more detail here:
Gill Foster Deputy Head Teacher Forthview Primary said:
“Forthview are absolutely delighted for the opportunity to work with Imaginate on this project. Seeing our pupils leading the project is so important as their voices need to be heard, and having childrens rights at the core of the project will also elevates the school community’s understanding of the importance of these rights.”
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:
“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that children and young people can fully experience their rights and are able to express their views and opinions. We are proud to support this project through the PLaCE Fund, giving pupils the chance to have their voices heard in a fun, creative way.”
Sam Pattman, Philanthropy Manager, Baillie Gifford said:
“We’re delighted to support Creative Encounters, as we seek to support innovative projects that will have a long-term impact on communities or society. Placing children’s ideas and voices at the centre of its process will not only develop the potential of its young participants, it will also have a wider impact on the cultural sector. We look forward to accompanying Imaginate and North Edinburgh Arts on this exciting journey.”
The project is supported by Baillie Gifford and the PLaCE fund.