DMU and Arts Council England team up for action research project on creativity

De Montfort University is working with Arts Council England on Talent25, a ground-breaking action research project based in Leicester, working closely with families and communities.

Talent25 is dedicated to finding out about the benefits to babies and young children of being regularly involved in arts and creative activities.

Every child who experiences painting, singing and music, dancing, puppets, drama, reading and messy play instinctively knows the power and joy of art and culture – our challenge is to ensure that more of our young people get a chance to take part in consistent and sustained activity.

What will Talent25 do?

The first phase of Talent25 will follow babies born in specific parts of Leicester over their early life and on their journey to starting school, seeing what happens when they are given regular opportunities to get involved in a wide range of creative activities.

Participating families will get access to four years of free arts and creative activities – co-created with the Talent25 team. Every 6 months, families will meet with our researchers to share their experiences and let us know how their child is getting on.

Why Leicester?

Leicester was chosen as the pilot area for Talent25 because of our reputation as a diverse city with a younger than average population – Leicester is also home to the second-largest cluster of creative industries outside London and has a vibrant cultural scene.

We also have some challenges. Lack of money, resources and sometimes confidence can be barriers to young children achieving their potential – talent is everywhere, opportunity is not.

Who are Talent25 working with?

To ensure that we are offering the best in arts and creative activities for families with young children and reaching the people who matter, we are working with several partners and artists including:

• NHS
• Leicester Libraries, Children’s Centres and Neighbourhood Services
• The Spark Arts for Children
• The Mighty Creatives (TMC)

How can you get involved in Talent25?

To find out more visit

www.talent25.org.uk

Email: creativetalent25@dmu.ac.uk

Telephone: 0116 207 8463

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMUtalent25/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmutalent25

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/talent25/