Challenge
There isn’t one single, coherent challenge which we can all unite to tackle, but a complex mix of interdependent variables working together to create a new, harsher environment for cultural education in London.
To these challenges we need to add two factors: a growth in the diversity of the education ‘market’, with new providers of both formal learning and informal learning flourishing; and changes to learning itself, with ubiquitous digital technologies.
Process
Innovation Unit worked in partnership with A New Direction, London’s leader in cultural education, to co-design and co-deliver the Connected London programme, aimed at building innovation capacity in the sector.
The Connected London programme brought together project teams from cultural organisations to work and learn together as they develop fresh new approaches to providing exciting cultural education offers to children and young people in London.
The innovation programme included four one day events: engagement, strategy, prototyping and learning. Specific research, resources, communication, site guidance, and coaching were offered as part of the programme.
Outcome
Through the Connected London projects we have identified some ideas and approaches, which any place can adopt and which will help ‘engage children and young people in culture in every part of the city’.
Eight project teams worked with AND as part of the Connected London programme. Each project team has acknowledged the need to think differently about funding for and provision of cultural education in London.
The teams have committed to working together in a community of practice, exploring and experimenting with radical new approaches. Their shared goal is to create exciting and sustainable cultural learning opportunities for young people in London.
Through this work, we developed a guide for area leaders looking to connect young Londoners to exciting cultural opportunities. The guide identifies 6 approaches which any place can adopt.
Client: A New Direction
Sector: Charity
Services: Service Design
// Project done whilst working at Innovation Unit, London
“Through Connected London, we supported places to develop their cultural education infrastructure and help network professionals together so that we share knowledge and expertise. Together we formed a community of practice where we find the solutions to current challenges and support cultural education of all young Londoners through sharing our collective experience.”