A group of laughing preschool children listen to a man reading them a story

Current Aims & Objectives

  • We will work together to achieve the following aims:
  • Develop a shared effective communication approach that profiles publically the universal and targeted strategic cultural offer for children and young people.
  • Provide quality information, advice and guidance around the arts, culture and Heritage sectors to ensure access and progression at all ages, to raise aspirations, provide role models, and career opportunities such as work experience/placements, internships, apprenticeships.
  • Work with membership, to ensure progression routes for young people into FE, HE and the Creative industries
  • Ensure there is a high-quality offer for children and young people in Sandwell that involves access to local, regional and national experiences and opportunities
  • Ensuring the voice and interest of children and young people are at the heart of the SCEP to support the co-design/development/development/dissemination that will inform services and strategic vision
  • Ensuring the cultural offer supports children and young people in developing their sense of identity, ownership and pride in their community
  • There are clear pathways for young people to engage in arts and culture
  • Decision makers are supported to advocate and plan for arts and culture
  • There is a connected arts and cultural infrastructure able to provide sustainable access to a diverse range of activity for young people
  • There is a coherent programme of professional arts and culture to support young people
A photo of the Sandwell Cultural Education Partnership Group

Current Activities

  • InsideOutside – A 3-year STEAM programme in partnership with Midlands Metropolitan University Hospital which is Partnership Investment with Arts Connect.
  • iGeneration Z – An interactive photography project for children and young people to showcase Arts and Culture.
  • Creative Conversations Sandwell – A Commission to engage Children & Young People in Arts and Culture as part of the SCEP.
  • Sandwell Cultural Landscapes – An interactive data captured map of creative organisations, individuals and local authority services that are working/collaborating with schools in Sandwell.
  • CPD for Arts, Culture and Heritage organisations, creative practitioners and teachers in Sandwell.
  • Networking events and opportunities for Arts, Culture and Heritage organisations, creative practitioners and teachers in Sandwell. Eg Sandwell CAKE, Tea Party, Black Country Teachers Network
  • Sandwell Council’s Cultural Leadership Group – Developing a cultural prospectus for the community of Sandwell and implement a Sandwell Compact.
    Funding and development for the SCEP to provide sustainability and long-term impact.
  • Develop a Communication Strategy for the SCEP to create awareness within Sandwell of the partnership.

Ongoing Plans

  • Sandwell CEP Children and Young People’s management group
  • Sandwell CEP Badge and frame certificate – Recognition for schools, organisations, practitioners and local authority to acknowledge their contribution to Cultural Education in Sandwell.
  • Sandwell Cultural Education Awards – Showcasing the work of children, young people, organisations, creative practitioners and teachers in Sandwell. Also acknowledging schools on their Arts Mark Journey or completed and children/young people who have received their Arts Award.
  • Sandwell CEP Kickstarter Fund – Project funding to initiate cross collaborative working

Organisations that are currently part of the CEP

CEP Members

  • Arts Connect
  • Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022
  • Black Country Touring
  • Creative Academies Network (CAN)
  • Creative Black Country
  • Go Play Sandwell
  • Ingestre Hall Residential Arts Centre
  • Midlands Metropolitan University Hospital
  • Multistory
  • RSA Academies
  • Sandwell Advocacy
  • Sandwell Children’s Trust
  • Sandwell College
  • Sandwell Community Information and Participation Service
  • Sandwell Library and Information Service
  • Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Sandwell Museums and Galleries
  • Sandwell Youth Offending Services
  • Sandwell Youth Service
  • SCVO (Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations)
  • Shireland Collegiate Academy
  • SIPS Music and Arts Service
  • St Michael’s CofE High School
  • The Westminister School