Arts Exchange
Arts Exchange fulfilled a long-term ambition at Creative Futures to deliver a multi-disciplinary arts project in the early years, led by pairs of professional artists. The 2 year project (2023-5) saw musicians paired with dancers or visual artists to co-deliver 13-week projects with children aged 3-4 years alongside a CPD element for teachers. Over the two years we worked in 8 settings in Harrow, reaching 240 children. Arts Exchange enabled rich artistic experiences for the children and teachers involved, and a depth of knowledge exchange, exploration, and learning amongst the artist-practitioners delivering together.
“Have I just witnessed the gold standard in early years music provision? Dance, music, and time to reflect with and on the experience through on line coaching and mentoring. ‘I couldn't be more proud’ comment from musician. Teachers visibly moved and changed by the experience. Learning for everyone. Happy children sharing their joy, wonder and awe through collaborative and creative play. Big fat tick” (Creative Futures Practitioner)
 Arts exchange shadows |  Arts exchange chalk |  Arts Exchange fireworks |
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 Arts exchange fabric |
Impact & Legacy
Children have become more confident musicians, dancers, and artists, having their play and arts valued by adults. Teachers reported children singing, exploring instruments, dancing, painting, mark-making and more throughout the week. Impacts were seen in the following areas:
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Communication
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Creativity
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Inclusion
“It was really nice to have some fresh ideas coming in.” (EYP)
“The work with EY makes you be in the moment: How did the shy girl show me non-verbally that she wanted to be a butterfly and together we made wings out of ribbons and then she ‘flew’ off happily? It’s those ‘being in the moment’ moments with the children that I would have never experienced if it wasn’t for Arts Exchange.” (Practitioner)
As teachers working in a sector where time for playful interactions is increasingly rare, the project supported them to develop a rationale for and advocate for play.
As well as individual learning, Arts Exchange has influenced the way the arts are taught in the participating nurseries by reigniting teachers’ passion for early years practice and play, expanding their understanding of what early years arts practice can be, and by providing them with frameworks to advocate for arts-based practice.