Earlyarts E-bulletin No 9 - Autumn 2005
Welcome to the ninth e-bulletin from the earlyarts network in the North West of England. For those of you wondering if we'd dropped off the edge of the world, don't worry, the summer version was skipped due to lack of internal capacity. However, we're back in full force once again so please feel free to circulate to any interested colleagues. Feel free to use this e-bulletin to promote your work and request artists / advice / support from other readers across the region.
Emerging Issues and national events:
• ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND has released its new strategy for children, young people and the arts. The strategy outlines ACE's vision, aims and objectives for its work in this area up to 2008. Each Arts Council regional office is also developing a strategy for children and young people that, it is expected, will help to achieve ACE's national aims and at the same time taking into consideration regional needs. These regional strategies will be published over the next few months. http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/publications/publication_detail.php?browse=recent&id=478
• STRATEGIES FOR UNDER-FIVES TO MERGE - The foundation stage - famous for its 117-box ticklist - and its sister strategy for babies to three-year-olds, together with an array of guidance and goals for young children are to be reborn as a single framework. The guidance for teaching three to five-year-olds was published in 2000 and the principles for working with under-threes were introduced in 2002. Now ministers want to find out from early-years teachers what works best in nurseries and how the frameworks can better dovetail with key stage 1. The ticklist will stay.
Lesley Staggs, director of the foundation stage in the primary national strategy team, said existing guidance will not be ripped up, but it did need to be simplified. She said, "We want to make clearer the links between the two core documents, Birth to Three Matters and the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage. "We do not think it is a good idea to start all over again, but what does make sense is to help people see more clearly how those two documents work together, particularly in early-years settings which cater for children from birth to four or five, where there is an overlap."
Ministers want the two documents brought together under a new birth to five framework. Ms Staggs said, "Whatever we produce has to promote a play-based approach matching each child's needs at each stage and must support practitioners in doing that." As well as ideas on practice, ideas on how the guidance should look are welcomed. Ms Staggs' recommendations will go to the Department for Education and Skills' Sure Start Unit in 2006. The unit is due to launch a formal consultation in spring 2006. Send your comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• SINGLE GRANT PROGRAMME - In September 2005 the DfES launched the Children, Young People and Families Grant Programme. The programme will fund voluntary organisations to do work of national significance that supports the outcomes of the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme. It brings together five existing grant programmes managed by the DfES: Children and Young People's Participation Fund; National Voluntary Youth Organisations Grant Scheme; Safeguarding Children and Supporting Families grants; Strengthening Families Grant; Sure Start VCS grants. To access grant application forms visit:
http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/strategy/voluntaryandcommunity/cypfgrant/
• FOUNDATION STATUS CONSULTATION - Consultation on proposals to extend the streamlined route for schools to acquire foundation status to primary schools was published by the DfES on 5 July 2005. Community and Voluntary Controlled Secondary Schools will be able to follow a streamlined route to Foundation status from 1 August 2005, and this consultation proposes to make the streamlined route available to Primary Schools. The c losing date for the Consultation is 8 Nov 2005. Download the consultation from http://www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/conDetails.cfm?consultationId=1354
• SINGLE INSPECTORATE CONSULTATION - A consultation on A single inspectorate for children and learners was launched by DfES on 29 July 2005. It takes forward the Government's commitment to consult on proposals to create an enlarged Ofsted as a single inspectorate for children and learners - and to consult with employers and other stakeholders on the expectation that the current statutory remit of the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) should be included in the remit. It is intended that the inspectorate becomes operational from April 2007. Responses are required by 4 November 2005. To download the consultation visit http://www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/conDetails.cfm?consultationId=1364
• PLAY IN THE RECEPTION CLASS CURRICULUM - Children are not being given enough time to play because of the demands of the curriculum, reports a project led by Dr Sue Rogers at the University of Plymouth, and published on 8 September 2005 by the Economic and Social Research Council. For the project, Role play in the reception class: a study of pupil and teacher perspectives, the researchers found that role play games, such as pretending to be doctors, police or astronauts, are edged out of infant classes in favour of formal education. The study concluded that classes are not always designed to meet the needs of four to five-year-olds and called for more outdoor play space in schools so that children could have more choice over materials, locations and playmates. Such facilities would encourage girls to take a more active role in building activities and allow boys' play to develop without disrupting people around them. For more details visit http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/PO/releases/2005/september/curriculum.aspx
• CREATING BRIGHT SPARKS CONFERENCE - Engaging Children and Young People in Cultural Activities, Thursday 13th October 2005, Earls Court One, London SW5. Following the announcement of the DCMS/DfES initiative "Creative Sparks" the Government is committed to ensuring that no child will leave school without having access to high quality arts and culture.
This national conference will explore the roles of local authorities, schools and cultural providers in working together to give children and young people the opportunity to take part in and explore the wealth of creative and cultural activities the UK has to offer. It will also examine the implications this has for meeting criteria within the new Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) methodology. Delegates will also explore funding and partnership models and discuss best practice in promoting social inclusion through cultural strategies. View the conference agenda http://www.neilstewartassociates.com/
• REGGIO EMILIA SEMINAR DAY run by National Museums Liverpool , 20th October 2005, 9.00 - 4.00 pm at the Rex Makin Lecture Theatre, Liverpool Museums & Galleries, William Brown Street, Liverpool. In conjunction with the forthcoming Hundred Languages of Children Exhibition taking place at World Museum Liverpool and in partnership with the Sightlines Initiative, the "Children First" Forum are holding a one day seminar to explore the philosophy, methodology and creative approach underpinning the work of Reggio Emilia and as exemplified in the exhibition. Presentations on the day by Reggio Children representatives Daniela Lanzi (pedagosista) and Milena Zanti (teacher at Balducci preschool) will present the context of the Reggio Emilia experience with reference to recent projects and personal experience of working in pre-schools in Reggio Emilia.
Contact Lorraine Gillies on 0151 233 3258 by Monday 17 th October. Cost: £60 for funded organisations / local authorities and £30 for non-funded organisations / individuals and includes lunch and refreshments. The venue is wheelchair accessible and access assisting methods can be made available if requested in advance. Information is also available in accessible formats upon request. Places will be allocated on a strictly first come first served basis.
• REFOCUS SYMPOSIUM by the Sightlines Initiative at the Lakewood Centre, Bristol on 22nd and 23rd October 2005 . A two day event aimed at connecting people, projects and practice in the UK and exploring methodology inspired by the Reggio approach, including presentations from Reggio Children and UK projects and settings.
Opportunities for reflection, dialogue and exchange. Discussion topics will include: 'Working with difference' educators learning to work with other sorts of people; Documentation 'Getting it off the wall and into your life'; Creating learning communities - Identity, values and learning groups; How do you measure impact of children's enhanced learning?; Practically speaking - Working with intelligent materials. Participants will be asked to submit topics of interest for discussion at the event and will have the opportunity to explore these in small, focused discussion groups. Cost: £275, contact Emma Pace on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text63644 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the 'events' section at http://www.sightlines-initiative.com
• MERSEYSIDE "CHILDREN FIRST" ARTS AND EARLY YEARS CONFERENCE , 4th and 5th November 2005 at NATIONAL MUSEUMS LIVERPOOL. This inspirational event is aimed at raising awareness of the significant role of creative practice in early years settings and to build a strong values based commitment to securing a cultural entitlement for all children. The conference aims to be a thought provoking and hands-on opportunity to share knowledge and opinion about culture and early years and help inform and stimulate creative arts work.
Confirmed contributors include Roberto and Valeria Frabetti (La Baracca Theatre Company, Bologna), Hopal Romans (Youth Music), Joanne Albin Clarke (Bury MBC), Graham Marsden (Den Maker), Levi Tafari (Poet), Linda Thornton and Pat Brunton (ALC Associates), Rosie Marcus (Artists in Schools), and All Things Latin (Musicians). Case studies will be exemplified to highlight existing good quality practice from across Merseyside
Cost for 2 days will be: £150 for funded organisations / local authorities or £75 for non-funded organisations / individuals. Cost for 1 day will be: £80 for funded organisations / local authorities or £40 for non-funded organisations / individuals. The venues are wheelchair accessible and access-assisting methods can be made available if requested in advance. Information is also available in accessible formats upon request. Contact Annette Cobley, tel 44 (0) 0161 273 8858 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text58923 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The Children's First Forum is a network consisting of Early Years, Arts, Education and Sure Start representatives from across Merseyside who together with National Museums Liverpool (NML) and the Museums, Libraries and Archives (MLA) service are working in partnership to create opportunities for cultural entitlement for children and early years.
The partnership aims to be a national model of excellence in demonstrating how partnership can work between the emerging network of provision for teachers, carers, parents, young children and cultural providers. As the main cultural partner National Museums Liverpool (NML) believes that there is a significant opportunity to extend the reach of their learning programmes by developing a choice of creative play and learning provision for very young children and their families. NML aims to to provide a first experience of the regions cultural offer for very young children, offering the first step in a lifetime of creative involvement in arts, culture and learning.
• BEYOND LISTENING. YOUNG CHILDREN'S PERSPECTIVES ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE by the Institute of Education , 8 November 2005, Baden-Powell House, 76 Queen's Gate, London. Listening to children is high on the policy and practice agenda today, and is a central feature of children's rights. But so far less attention has been paid to the voices of young children, those below school age, although the number of these children in childcare and other early childhood services is increasing rapidly. Understanding their experience and perspective, and increasing their involvement in decision making becomes increasingly important. So how can we listen to young children? What exactly do we mean by ‘listening'? What are the benefits and what are the risks? This conference will tackle these and other questions, combining innovative examples of work with young children - from England, Scotland and Scandinavia, and from leading practitioners and researchers - with the opportunity to discuss and reflect on the many complex and important issues raised by listening to young children. Cost £125 or £25 students. For more details visit: http://ioewebserver.ioe.ac.uk/ioe/cms/get.asp?cid=470&470_0=12537 or call Elaine Peck on 020 7612 6556.
• DEVELOPMENTAL MOVEMENT PLAY CONFERENCE by Jabadao, 15th and 16th November 2005, Leeds. The role of early movement play in building foundations for learning, health and wellbeing. A conference organised by the National Centre for Movement, Learning and Health - JABADAO, who have led a research project with 14 early years settings into the significance of early movement play for future learning and health. This conference will present the findings of this project. For more details contact Wendy Leveson, 0113 236 3311, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text64585 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.jabadao.org . There is also a LONDON seminar to present these findings on 9 th November 2005, Laban Centre, London. 10am - 1pm. Contact details as above.
• MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH PERSONA DOLL TRAINING , 16th November 2005, at the Resource Centre 356 Holloway Road London N7. A conference for everyone engaged in promoting equality and inclusion in the early years & at Key Stages 1 & 2.
For further details visit http://www.persona-doll-training.org/
• READING FOR PLEASURE Inspiration Day on 19th November by Action for Children's Arts to explore the ways in which reading and writing are currently being taught and assessed in primary schools within the National Curriculum. Speakers include: Children's Laureate, Jacqueline Wilson, Sue Horner, Head of English QCA , Bernard Ashley, Liz Attenborough, Julia Eccleshare, Prue Goodwin and Chris Powling . Contact : 020 8763 8066 e.mail : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text9498 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web : www.childrensarts.org.uk .
• TAKEOFF '05 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S THEATRE FESTIVAL is happening at the Arc, Stockton and at schools throughout Tees Valley in November. Including a programme aimed at encouraging teachers to make the most of theatre experiences. Each age range will be featured in a one-day programme of plays and discussions for teachers. More details at http://www.ctctheatre.org.uk/takeoff/2005/takeoff2005.htm. PLACES ARE LIMITED!! Contact: Anna Dixon-Dawson, Project Co-ordinator; Takeoff 2005 CTC Theatre. Booking form here
• CONTINUITY FROM BIRTH TO FIVE Early Childhood Forum conference on 15th November 2005, Birmingham. Open to all early childhood practitioners in the maintained, private, independent and voluntary sectors, Sure Start programmes, Children's Centres, Local Authority officers and advisors with responsibility for early years, sector organisations and Early Childhood policy makers. The conference will explore current developments within the sector, with a particular focus on the importance for children to have continuity of care to support their learning and development. Contact: NCB conferences on 020 7843 6441; e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text42084 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit http://www.ncb.org.uk/events/event_detail.asp?id=114
• EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION at The ICC Birmingham on 28th and 29th November 2005. The Conference will be discussing the many issues surrounding ‘Early Intervention' (anything which supports a child's development, from family support to therapy and health care) and will include an intensive programme of lectures and workshops. Among the issues presented will be: Developing Communication, Play, & Social Skills for Young Children with ASD, Early Support, and Vulnerable Children.
For further information contact Rose Welling on 01562 883131.
• I MPET US - LET'S MAKE ONE! Joint Network Seminar with i mpet us at the RSA on 29 th November 2005, in the Tavern Room, 11am - 1pm. The first Network Seminar of the 2005/06 academic year will be an exciting opportunity to learn more about i mpet us from the headteacher of one of the schools using their framework to enrich education through the awareness and development of whole school values and of rights and responsibilities. Adam Short, the i mpet us coordinator for England will provide the context, looking at the possibility of a productive and enriching collaboration on these questions: 'If the competence based curriculum is to be implemented in many more schools, what kind of relationships, ethos and structures are required in those schools?' and 'Does the development of competences in itself generate important elements of a school's ethos and impact on its structures?'.
There will be no charge for this seminar. Book through Lesley James: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text59596 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.impetusawards.org.uk
• MAKING SPACE: ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN FOR YOUNG CHILDREN CONFERENCE on 8th and 9th December, Edinburgh. International speakers will consider what makes the ideal space for young children, discuss how they have approached design and how they have involved children in the process. Study visits to Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh will give delegates the chance learn about local approaches to space for young children. Speakers include Michele Zini, architect and designer with ZPZ partners and Reggio Children, Italy; Alison Clark, researcher at Thomas Coram Research Unit, University of London and Mark Dudek, architect and researcher, Mark Dudek Associates Education Design. Chaired by journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Wark. Contact: Lynn Gilmour. T: 0131 222 2443 E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text56352 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . W. Book online: www.childreninscotland.org.uk/eur
• NEW CREATIVITY WEBSITE - A new online resource is available through the (newly redesigned) Sure Start website. Inspiring Creativity and Imagination is for everyone working with young children in early years settings. The site has 12 examples of real projects in early years settings. Each example includes hints about how you can use the ideas to make exciting spaces for children's learning in your own setting, linking in with the Foundation Stage Curriculum and the Birth to Three Matters Framework. Inspiring Creativity and Imagination was devised for Sure Start by Curiosity & Imagination and launched in May 2005. Visit the new website at www.surestart.gov.uk/communications/childcareworkers/inspiringcreativity/
• THE PLAY AND CHILDREN'S CENTRES - On 17 June 2005 the Pre-school Learning Alliance (PLA) announced that they plan to manage daycare provision in 100 Children's Centres by mid-2008, and become actively involved in the Extended Schools initiative. These are among the plans set out by Steve Alexander, Chief Executive of the PLA, at their national conference. For more details visit www.pre-school.org.uk/press/17-06-05gc.pdf
• CHILDREN'S INFORMATION SERVICES WEBSITE - A new website was launched on 1 June 2005 for the National Association of Children's Information Services. NACIS offers a broad range of services, designed to help children's information services run effectively and work strategically with their key partners. Parents and carers seeking information on childcare may also contact their local CIS through the new website: http://www.nacis.org.uk/index.htm
• ART & DESIGN COURSES -25 November, 27 January 2006, 10 March 2006
The Association for Advice and Support in Art and Design (A4) in partnership with the British Museum have developed a series of courses aimed at non-specialist primary art and design coordinators. The three one-day courses have been planned to enable coordinators to learn about, adapt, resource, and develop QCA units of work at key stages one and two. Participants will be involved in practical activities using the British Museum's resources, and there will also be opportunities to reflect upon, review and develop the management of the Art and Design Curriculum in schools. Contact : 0208 983 6912 or fax: 01362 688733.
• MUSIC LEADING IN EARLY YEARS TRAINING SESSION in Wakefield, 15th October, 10 - 3.30pm. An all day workshop to encourage and support non-music specialists. Run by Ali Bullivent and Ibrahim Dumbuya with support from National Foundation for Youth Music 'First Steps' programme. Both Ali and Ibrahim are artists and performers who focus on celebrating diversity through African and British culture. They incorporate songs, games, movement, sound, pictures, instruments, percussion and storytelling into their workshops. They will look at easy ways into making rhythms, using voice and movement in a way which is stimulating for young children and non-threatening for participants. They will explore how different art forms can compliment each other and create diverse music and movement. Cost £50, some concessions are available for individuals. To book a place please ring The Castle Children's Centre 01924 303210.
• YOUTH MUSIC IS NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR ITS OPEN PROGRAMMES . The organisation will be funding music-making activities through three new Open Programmes: First Steps - Creative music-making for children aged 0-5; Make It Sound - Music-making for 5-18 year olds who otherwise lack the chance to take part; and Vocalise! - For programmes where the voice is the main instrument. See: www.youthmusic.org.uk/looking_for_funding/Open_programmes.jsp
• SERVING DIFFERENT AUDIENCES - HOE CONFERENCE 2005, on 9th to12th November in Vienna . The European Association of Children's Museums ‘Hands on Europe' presents its biennial international conference: Serving Different Audiences, hosted by ZOOM Children's Museum. Online registration is up and running! To sign up for the conference: http://www.kindermuseum.at/handson/index.html
• FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE: WHAT MATTERS TO CHILDREN co-authored by Mary Jane Drummond was published in June 2005 and offers a unique and exciting alphabet of learning from the real world. Written by Diane Rich, Denise Casanova, Annabelle Dixon, Mary Jane Drummond, Andrea Durrant and Cathy Myer the book addresses the urgent need to reinstate first hand experience as a core element of every child's entitlement in education settings for children aged 3-8 and beyond. Tim Smit's forward concludes, "Read this book. It may save lives." Published by Rich Learning Opportunities the book can be obtained from www.richlearningopportunities.co.uk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD Volume 6 Number 1 2005 now published with articles on 'You Need to Know How to Play Safe': children's experiences of starting school; Teacher Talk about and around Sexuality in Early Childhood Education: deciphering an unwritten code; Baby, It's You: international capital discovers the under threes; The Meanings Embedded within Childcare Regulations: an historical analysis; Subject Knowledge in Early Childhood Curriculum and Pedagogy: beliefs and practices; Drawing as a Unique Mental Development Tool for Young Children: interpersonal and intrapersonal dialogues; and Moral Reflections from a Primary Classroom: one teacher's perspective. www.wwwords.co.uk/CIEC .
• CREATABILITY PROJECT AND TRAINING FILM - CreatAbility is an early years arts project which was piloted in West Sussex this spring. The project employed a team of visual artists led by Teresa Grimaldi and Claire Simpson to devise and deliver a four week programme of creative activities to a range of nursery settings in West Sussex, including one setting for children with special needs. The artists brief asked them to only use materials and processes which could be easily obtained, stored and used by nursery practitioners and to work within the restrictions of nurseries which have to pack away their equipment at the end of each session. The resulting project has been recorded by film-makers Compulsive Productions as a training film for people wanting to use the arts with under fives. The film shows how the artists' ingenious use of simple materials and process over product approach won the imaginations of children and adults alike. If you are interested in getting a copy of the film it can be obtained from Clare Halstead, Arts in Education Co-ordinator at West Sussex County Council ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text70248 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (01243 756897). Copies are £15 and in VHS or DVD format. The film runs for 22 minutes. Also contact Clare if you would like to know more about the project.
• EARLY-CHILDHOOD ARCHIVE - For over two years Early Childhood Author, Prof Kevin Brehony, has been keeping a blog of matters of interest to practitioners in the field of early childhood. The items are mostly about policy and research in the field and are drawn from a number of sources but mainly The Guardian and the BBC. If you are interested click on http://earlychild.blogspot.com/
• HALF MOON THEATRE presents a varies programme of high quality childrens theatre including:
• 22nd October - 11am, 2pm - Theatre of Widdershins presents RUMPELSTILTSKIN 3+ yrs
• 29th October - 11am, 2pm - Half Moon presents MERMAID AND THE MIRROR 3-7 yrs
• 5 th November - 2pm - Action Transport Theatre Company and Vulavulani Theatre Company (South Africa) presents TSLENE'S SONG - 4+ yrs
• 23rd November - 26th November - Half Moon presents MY FRIEND SNOW by Chris Elwell 2-7 yrs. All tickets £4 / 020 7709 8900 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text52230 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Regional Partners Bulletin Board:
• 'BABA YAGA BONEY LEGS' - DYNAMIC NEW ANIMATION - 15 October 1:30pm The Met Bury, 22 October 2pm Southport Arts Centre Southport, 24 & 25 October 2pm Charter Theatre Preston. Contact: Hazel Gornall - Administrator, Tel - 01772 253 100, Mobile - 07976 946 003, Email - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text50450 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.dynamicnewanimation.co.uk
• OILY CART are back with a brand new show for the very young. If All The World Were Paper will be touring nationally this autumn and winter. It is their latest multi-sensory work for 2-5years and follows the adventures of a little paper girl as she is separated from her paper sisters and tries to find her way home. Inspired by the traditional nursery rhyme, If All The World Were Paper is full of music and interaction, and combines puppetry and live action in a delightful show for young children and their families. For tour dates and venues and more information go to http://www.oilycart.org.uk/very_young/world_were_paper.htm• ARCHITECTS OF AIR 'S specially commissioned inflatable environment for Oogly Boogly is complete, which means that this unlikely and original hit (not much out there of this quality for the under 2's) is ready for touring. Specially designed for 12 - 18 month old babies and their parents and carers, Oogly Boogly follows on from it's successful touring 2004, including NottDance International Dance Festival, Sure Start groups, and Hay on Wye Literary Festival. 'Oogly Boogly sets the performance in as neutral a space as possible - so as to focus on the relationship between the baby and the performer, how they interact and observe one another and ultimately how they move together. The baby is encouraged to have the high status in the relationship, they call the shots, they decide on the structure and the performers follow willingly, no right no wrong' Animated: ‘'Fascinating duets and trios come out of the process and even in periods when activity subsided, attention was turned towards quiet gestures with subtle interactions' Dance Theatre Journal. The information on the web site www.cryingoutloud.org gives an idea, but essentially they tour with two inflatable spaces designed by Architects of Air(14m x 8m x 5.3m high), and do 3 x 45 minute sessions per day. This involves four performers and up to 8 babies and their parents/carers. They have had excellent responses to the project in the UK as well as sell out successes in festivals in Holland, Sweden, and, next month, Australia. Their next stop is the British Dance Edition 9 - 10 February 2006 in Leeds, and are looking for other dates around this time in the north of England, immediately prior or following these dates. Peterborough and Bolton are currently interested, so they only need two more venues to make it viable. If you would like to express your interest, book the show, or find out more, please contact Emma Gladstone, Artistic Director of Crying Out Loud Theatre Company, on + 44 (0) 207 401 8617 / 07801 790612, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text77758 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it • WALK THE PLANK is keen to explore the possibility of bring Winter Wonderland to Liverpool/Merseyside, either on or off the ship. In the longer term (2008?), and building on the success of Winter Wonderland, I'm really keen to look at a 'mini festival' of wonderlands/installations that takes in numerous venues across the city. As well as involving Liverpool arts organisations this could also include national companies. The aims of this larger project are:
* To deliver an inclusive project that celebrates installation based interactive/multi sensory work for the under fives and children/young people with additional needs
* To raise awareness amongst both the arts and non arts sector of the possibilities and opportunities available when a multi sensory/installation based approach to creativity and play is adopted via a comprehensive training programme
* To engage with a wide range of partners from different sectors (arts, health, education, social services) who traditionally might not work together. Originally commissioned for Sure Start in the West, Midlands, this interactive installation is specially designed to let children and their families explore a fantasy world full of icicles, polar bears and snowmen - an educational and fun experience for the under fives. Children are guided by costumed hosts dressed as magical winter creatures through a land of snow and ice. They have the opportunity to play snowman skittles, watch a pair of penguins ice-skating, pin a wish on the magical tree and discover play areas where they can join in counting and spelling games in a uniquely appealing environment. They can even have their picture taken ‘seaside style' as a snowman to take home! Winter Wonderland is filled with twinkling lights, mystifying shapes, sounds and sensations that will capture the imaginations of the children who experience it. The installation is suitable for any large indoor space and can be adapted for specific requirements. Contact Ben Turner, Special Projects Manager - Walk the Plank, www.walktheplank.co.uk , The Wheelhouse, 72 Broad Street, Salford, M6 5BZ. Tel: +44 (0)161 736 8964 •
The next meeting for the NORTH WEST EARLYARTS CHAMPIONS GROUP is on Thursday 8th December 2005 in Manchester at Arts Council England offices (click here for a map). Membership is open and all are welcome whether artist, educator, sure start worker, policy maker, practitioner, or simply interested.
Earlyarts e-bulletin is prepared by Ruth Churchill Dower, Director, Isaacs UK on behalf of the North West earlyarts network. For further information, please contact Ruth on 01484 688407.
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