The Creative Spark
Working Together for Young People’s Access To Arts, Culture & Heritage
Welcome to Creative Spark, a series of five free gatherings hosted by Jumped Up Theatre and funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
Creative Spark brings together artists and arts organisations, educators and community leaders, young people and stakeholders, to drive forward change in the provision of arts, culture and heritage for young people, aged 0-25, in Peterborough.
Creative Spark will provide you with inspiration and shared learning, opportunities to network and build partnerships, space to reflect on challenges and solutions, refreshments, and bursaries for expenses for unfunded and youth attendees.
Session 1 was in March 2025, scroll down for full details.
Please note: The Creative Spark is a relaxed event, built around your needs - if you can’t attend the whole day you are welcome to drop in when you can. Just let us know when to expect you so we can arrange catering. If you have any access need please let us know.
Session 2 - Wed 22 Oct 12noon-5 pm | University Centre Peterborough
This Creative Spark will focus on centring young people in our work. This theme has been drawn from feedback from participants at the first session.
The day will provide you with inspiration and shared learning, opportunities to network and build partnerships, and to find space to reflect on challenges and solutions. There will be refreshments, and bursaries for expenses for unfunded and youth attendees.
Features include:
Table conversations. Do you have a project you want to consult on? Or a challenge you want to share? Get in touch via the booking sheet.
Stalls and networking. A chance to share information with other attendees and students at the University Centre Peterborough and Peterborough College.
Learning and professional development session: An interactive keynote presentation from specialists in relational safeguarding, Resonant Collaboration.
Speech-writing and advocacy training by Dash Arts for 16 participants aged 16-25, who will present their ideas to everyone over tea and cake at the end of the day.
Plus University Centre students will be creating a digital response to the advocacy project design in the Hackathon in the first Creative Sparks meeting.
Young people aged 14+ are encouraged to attend, including as groups from local schools, but must be accompanied by an adult.
More information below…
Bringing Safeguarding to Life keynote.
Colin Michel and Luke Billingham of Resonant Collaboration, focus on “relational practise” when building conducive professional relationships and settings with young people.
Digital project and/ or speech writing training
An opportunity for young people (16-25) who are passionate about making a case for young people’s access to arts and culture to contribute to a student digital project and/ or take part in speech writing training with Dash Arts’ acclaimed Speak Out! Workshop.
Next Steps
See the full agenda
Book your place as a delegate, and for anyone, including young people that you want to bring with you. Don’t forget to let us know of your access needs.
Get in touch with enquiries
Book a slot to have a stall to share information about your work and projects with Creative Spark delegates and UCP students.
Host a table discussion about a challenge or opportunity you have for young people.
Ask any questions. Please note that this a relaxed event – it’s fine to drop in when you can, just let us know when to expect you.
NB The Creative Spark is a relaxed event, be built around your needs - if you can’t attend the whole day you are welcome to drop in when you can.
About the Venue
This session will be hosted by University Centre Peterborough, Park Crescent, Peterborough PE1 4DZ.
Click on this link HERE for the virtual tour of the building and the campus
Free parking is available on site in the visitors car park, which is on the right as you enter the campus.
The building and its facilities are accessible to wheelchair users. Please advise us on your booking form of any access needs so we can support you on the day.
What delegates have said about Creative Spark…
“It’s an opportunity to talk grit and practice with people.”
“It was great to start to put things into practice.”
“I have learnt about lots of different organisations that I will be able to research and get in contact with. I had lots of conversations with other people who work in different sectors. I loved how everyone was passionate about the topic and we had a shared interest in helping young people and arts access. I felt like my voice was listened to and I felt included. ”
“A few connections to follow up, and valuable input into work in progress that has given me a clearer idea of how to move forward (new ideas, added value). ”
With thanks to the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Arts Council England for funding.
