In Somerset and Dorset Take Art is taking a deep dive into Early Years (EY) creativity and co-design, working collaboratively with children and their families, EY staff and artists. Following a development phase four selected EY settings will host artist residencies for sustained periods of up to one year.

In this programme Take Art is working with Youth Music and ten other partners nationwide to develop and influence early years creativity. These organisations will come together to network and reflect throughout the three years via a bespoke learning programme.

Youth Music developed this new Energiser fund as a response to the belief that
babies and toddlers are skilled and creative individuals and should have the opportunity to influence the organisations and activities in which they are involved.

In addition, the early years sector is in crisis and funding is more important than ever. Practitioners are reporting an increase in number of settings closing down, staff shortages and ongoing retention issues, as well as the de-prioritisation of creative education when it comes to policy and resource allocation.

Through Little People, Big Ideas Take Art is exploring the question: ‘How do we effectively foster young children’s creativity within the current early years education sector?’

More information and updates about this project are coming soon and will be shared on this page. For any inquiries please contact earlyyears@takeart.org.