Start, created by Children & the Arts, is a three-year engagement programme of arts activity between selected cultural organisations and local schools that tackles inequality by working only with the children who need it most, who are at risk of missing out on a creative and cultural education.
Start has been running nationally for 10 years and has involved over 130,000 young people aged 4-16 years old. The programme is proven to raise the aspirations of young people, building confidence and helping with learning and development in school.
During the first year, children will make at least two visits to the Alhambra Theatre to see a selection of shows covering most genres. They will then work with the team at the Alhambra Theatre in workshops to develop their critical eye and have fun creating their own artistic work, with plenty of opportunity to celebrate their achievements at the end of each year.
Start also provides teachers with training for them to deliver the arts programme, helping pupils realise their full potential and making links to the curriculum.
Jeremy Newton, Chief Executive of Children & the Arts, is proud of the fact that Start takes learning beyond the classroom, empowering children and young people in a fun and exciting environment:
"The Start programme helps the many children in the UK who are denied the opportunity to engage with the arts. Start shows that museums and galleries, theatres and concert halls, are places that will welcome them, places where they can experience and learn something new, and most of all, places that they can enjoy.”
“We know that Start has had a huge impact on children's confidence, their communication skills, and
led to the personal development of thousands of children across the UK. We are delighted to be working with the Alhambra Theatre to provide these opportunities for children in Bradford."
Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:
“This is an exciting opportunity to work with Bradford schools allowing children to experience the wonders of live theatre. I’m sure we can all remember the first time we ever went to the theatre and we hope to provide that legacy for Bradford children in the years to come.”
