At Collage Arts, our mission is to foster creativity and inclusivity in the educational landscape. One of our most ambitious and rewarding initiatives, Voices for the Future, recently culminated in a grand finale that showcased the incredible talent and hard work of students and teachers from six primary schools in Haringey. This event marked the end of a two-year project that aimed to embed creativity and anti-racist practices in education through extensive teacher development and collaborative efforts.
About Voices for the Future
Voices for the Future was conceived as a two-year project dedicated to transforming educational practices in six primary schools in Haringey: Alexandra Primary School, Rokesly Junior School, Earlsmead Primary School, Lancasterian Primary School, The Willow Primary School, and West Green Primary School. This initiative was led by Alexandra Primary School, Collage Arts, and Haringey Creates, and supported by an additional network of schools and local organizations.
The project focused on exploring how artists and teachers can collaborate to create an arts-based, anti-racist approach to teaching and learning. Our goal was to bridge the attainment gap for children in Haringey by equipping teachers with the skills and confidence needed to deliver inclusive, creative education across the curriculum.
Our Approach
Voices for the Future was underpinned by a commitment to care and wellbeing. Artist practitioners and teachers worked together to co-create and embed a multidisciplinary arts-based teaching approach, emphasizing oracy and curriculum diversification. By integrating these practices, we aimed to foster a more inclusive and engaging learning environment that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our students.
The Grand Finale
In May 2024, our journey reached its zenith at the iconic Alexandra Palace, where we hosted a performance and exhibition celebrating the outstanding work of students and teachers from the participating schools. This event was a vibrant display of creativity and collaboration, featuring performances, artwork, and projects developed over the past two years.
The children and teachers showcased their talents through various artistic mediums, highlighting the impact of the project on their learning and teaching experiences. The event was not just a celebration of artistic achievement but also a testament to the power of inclusive, anti-racist educational practices.
Looking Forward
The success of Voices for the Future has reinforced our belief in the importance of embedding creativity and inclusivity in education. However, the journey doesn’t end here. While we celebrate the accomplishments of the past two years, we recognize the ongoing need for resources, support, and opportunities to sustain and expand this work.
We are committed to continuing our efforts to support young artists and educators, ensuring that our creative industries reflect the richness and diversity of our communities. But we can't do it alone. We need your help to provide the next generation with every opportunity to thrive. Whether through funding, resources, or partnerships, your support can make a significant difference.
If you are interested in joining us in this mission, please reach out to us at steve@collage-arts.org.
Together, we can give our future voices the platform they deserve and ensure that our creative industries remain vibrant and inclusive.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to fostering creativity and inclusivity in education.
Steve Medlin
Artistic Director, Collage Arts
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