Investing in Foundations

Building creative beginnings

We believe in nurturing creativity from the very start, giving children rich, playful and locally meaningful experiences that spark imagination and curiosity. Through creative experiences such as artists and musicians in residence, we create spaces where creativity thrives. These early encounters build belonging, cultural connection and the foundations for a lifelong creative journey - ensuring every child begins with the freedom to explore, express and discover.

Creating Pathways

Routes into leadership through creativity and agency

We will create clear, supported pathways for young people to grow and gain the experience and skills they need for life. Through Arts Award, youth action, Learner‑to‑Leader and paid roles, they will build skills in creativity, communication and collaboration. These pathways are co‑designed with young people, ensuring relevance, equity and the confidence to lead their own stories and futures.

Supporting the Local Ecology

Connecting people, practice and place

We will grow a resilient cultural ecosystem by bringing partners, practitioners and communities together. Through training and development opportunities and collaborative networks, we will strengthen the creative landscape across our place and sectors. Join us at our termly 'Over The Garden Fence' networks, online sessions and in-person training.

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Education

South Normanton Nursery School, Glebe Junior School, Pinxton Nursery School, Blackwell Primary School, Westhouses Primary School, Newton Primary School, Shirland Primary School, Mickley Infant School, Stonebroom Primary School, Tibshelf Community School, Tibshelf Town End Junior School, Tibshelf Infant School, Heath Primary School, Brigg Infant School, Pilsley Primary School, Alfreton Nursery School, David Nieper Adademy, Alfreton Park Community Special School, St Johns C of E Primary School, Morton Primary School, The Bolsover School, Ambergate Primary School, Loscoe CofE Primary School, Christ the King Catholic Primary School, Ripley Infant School, Ripley Nursery School, Blackwell Community Primary School, Positive 4 Young People

Creatives

Rachel Scanlon, Emma Reynard, Steph Coley, David Wadsworth, Karen Herrick, Annie Ball, Karla Jones, Lise Bennett, Miram Keye, Heidi Luker, Karen Spring, Bethany Sheldon- Maison Foo, Level Centre, Junction Arts, First Art CPP, Chesterfield Cultural Education Partnership, Make Shift CPP, Hubbub Theatre, Opus Music, Rendah Films, Claire Pring, Ju Birchall, Paola DeGiovanni, Architects of Air, Jo Stockdale, John Felix, Tyler Turner, Nicola Burke, Sian Watson-Taylor, Beth Hartshorne, Inês Sampaio Figueiredo, Claire Hunter, Captivate LCEP, Lincolnshire LCEP, Challenge Nottingham

Community

Elm Foundation, Bolsover District Council, Foundation Derbyshire, Derbyshire County Council, Snap Youth Centre, South Normanton Parish Council, Greater Creative, National Trust Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire Makes, BCVS, Hilcote Community Group, Ncafe Newton Community Group, Westhouses Community Association, Grow Outside CIC, Creative Connections, Infinite Well‑Being, The Old Farm Bus

Ambassadors

Chris Howarth St Johns CofE Primary and Nursery SchoolPeter Hallsworth South Normanton Nursery SchoolRebecca Patrick Infinite WellbeingTreg Marsh Alfreton Park Community Special SchoolKaren and Carissa Positive 4 Young PeopleCerian Creative Connections