Space for Change

Peer learning opportunity for creative learning leaders interested in creating more inclusive, equitable & sustainable work

• Who is this programme for?

  Creative Learning leaders whose work is focused on children and young people within arts and cultural organisations. Whether you are a freelance practitioner, leading a department,

  or running a company, this group is open to all those who have influence to make change possible. It is open to all artforms and artistic practice.

  In the past 12 months we’ve worked with leaders from the following companies:

  Alexandra Palace, Barbican, British Museum, CBSO, Fresh Arts, National Theatre, October Gallery, Peer UK, Philharmonia, Playing On, Polka, Pop-Up Projects, Roundhouse, Royal Museums Greenwich, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, Somerset House, Sound Connections, Spotlight, THAMES, The Yard, Whitechapel Gallery, Wigmore Hall.

• What will the programme involve?

  Space for Change sessions will explore issues and address areas of priority for the creative learning sector, with space for reflection and discussion. There will also be self-led buddying-tasks for you to complete in your own time, designed to help you reflect on learning, embed changes, and improve your work.

  At the end of the six-month programme, there will be a sector-wide celebration to gather the learning and reflections from the programme.

  This programme is free to access.

• Time commitment and key dates

  If you are considering applying, please note it is important to attend every session in order to get the maximum benefit from the programme. Missing a session means taking the space from someone else who could have benefited from the programme, therefore we kindly ask that you think carefully before making the commitment to join.

  The Space for Change group will meet on the second Thursday of each month from September to February 2023 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The dates are as follows:

  • Thursday 15 September
  • Thursday 13 October

  • Thursday 10 November
  • Thursday 08 December
  • Thursday 12 January
  • Thursday 23 February
• Quotes from last cohort
  • “It’s been a lifeline at times! I’m in a senior role and wouldn’t get a chance to speak to someone on [PLG] in my work at such depth.”
  • “So impressed with everyone else. Really brilliant group of people”
  • “Having a group of peers is invaluable. Even though I have a team, I can’t share everything with them. Working with a group of peers is cathartic, nourishing and practical.
  • “It’s been really creative and I don’t get a lot of opportunities to be creative in terms of how I think and reflect. I struggle to get into that headspace during my daily work, so that is really good”
  • “It’s been amazing, really challenging, and eye-opening.”
  • “I have approached difficult conversations at work with more strength and less worry.”
  • “I feel that taking time to pause, think, strategise, and rebuild better has been really useful. The mix of professionals you brought together was amazing.”
  • “A chance to connect on a number of complex and urgent issues.”
  • “I really enjoyed taking time out to meet and speak to other people in the sector and the guest speakers were really inspiring. I don’t want it to end!”
  • “Nice to have space to reflect, to connect with others, and I learned a lot about facilitators and their work, which has broadened my scope at work but also what I may do career-wise"