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WHY THE ARTS MATTER!

JUST IMAGINE!

Just imagine what a difference we could make if creativity, the arts and heritage experiences were part of an entitlement for all children and young people to give them the skills and attributes they need to thrive and succeed at school and at work and support their health and well-being from birth to adulthood!

EXPLORE LIBRARIES: MORE MAGIC!

We know that the EXPLORE LIBRARIES are as vital parts of the communities we serve and as important as schools, parks and the emergency services! They are wonderful places and they are not just about the books!! Increasingly they are about collections and connections; learning places, cultural centres, creative places, health&well-being centres, young people’s places at the heart of the communities we serve!

Explore Labs urges all York people to challenge their imagination. Under the strapline, “You don’t know what exciting ideas are inside your head until you go there: your dreams start here”, this award winning Arts Council England-funded community arts project coordinated by Explore York, runs activities at York Explore Library and its network of libraries throughout the communities we serve. 

This wonderful video show you a bit about the magic of Explore! https://youtu.be/fku3tog5_M8

EXPLORE LIBRARIES... RELEASING THE MAGIC!

We know that singing releases endorphins and makes you happy... Explore Libraries have a brilliant programme providing opportunities for people to sing in a relaxed, welcoming environment and enjoy a cuppa and a friendly chat! 'Cuppa and a Chorus' sessions are about enjoying making music with a group of friendly people! You do not need to read music or have any previous experience of singing, just a desire to meet new like-minded people in a welcoming environment and to find your own voice. The sessions are led by experienced community choir leader, Chris Bartram, who guides everyone gently through a variety of different music from around the world. This wonderful video gives you a taste of what is on offer!! https://youtu.be/Y75YBPp31L8

SKILLS AND CHARACTER MATTERS!

Involvement with creativity and the arts is crucial to developing the skills that matter in life...resilience, communication, teamwork, problem solving, imagination, self-expression in young people. These are the skills that will fuel the success of the UK’s creative industries, and that will result in the next generation of creative talent across the country.

LIBRARIES MATTER!

ITS A START: Multi-million-pound culture boost for children in schools!

School Standards Minister Nick Gibb announced a multi-million-pound package on Friday 3 January alongside a manifesto commitment to offer an ‘arts premium’ to secondary schools to allow young people to learn creative skills and widen their horizons. Asa usual music gets the biggest share of the funding and we need much more for creativity and the arts and to develop that critical skill set which sets children and young people up to thrive and succeed at school, at work and in life!!

The curriculum schemes that will receive a total of £85 million for 2020/21 are as follows:

• Music Education Hubs
• In Harmony
• National Youth Music Organisations (NYMOs) and Music for Youth; and
• Cultural education (Heritage Schools, BFI Film Academy, Museums and Schools, ACE Bridge Network, National Youth Dance Company, Saturday Art and Design Clubs).