Creativity and innovation
The challenge
In May 2019, the AoC conducted a survey which looked at personal and social development and enrichment in colleges. While it found that 70% of colleges offer visual arts projects, it also revealed that 40% do not offer dance and drama activities as part of their enrichment programmes, and that less than half offer music or creative writing.
Many colleges reported a lack of funding as the reason, and we recognise that there is a need to raise the profile of creativity and innovation in colleges, and to celebrate and share good practice in order to support further developments in this area.
The goal
We want to strengthen student engagement and the student experience in colleges. In 2019, the AoC launched the Charter for Student Engagement, and as part of this, we are working with colleges to increase the opportunities for students of all abilities and backgrounds to participate in a wide range of creative, innovative and cultural activities.
We welcome the opportunity to work and partner with other organisations in this area.
Our work
Colleges play a vital role in supporting the creative industries and promoting their importance to the UK economy, and we recognise and celebrate those who nurture and support creativity through our Excellence in Supporting Creativity Beacon Award.
AoC ran a pilot National Writing Project and 17 colleges from across the country took part with over 300 students submitting their creative writing pieces. These have been published on the LoveOurColleges website and showcase the wonderful talent of our young people, many of whom had never had the opportunity to engage in creative writing before. AoC are committed to being able to support more opportunities like this which can only be done through the support of partner organisations.
Get Involved
We secure funding from a range of organisations and partners that wish to work with colleges and students through the vehicle of projects, programmes and research, managed and delivered by AoC. If you would like to know more please contact us.
