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Pupils call for more freedom 'to be creative'
Louise Jury, Chief Arts Correspondent26.11.08
PUPILS want less formality and more internet in schools to help increase the country's creativity.
A 12-point manifesto of their suggestions was launched today by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham at a conference at Tate Modern.
The teenagers' strategy is the result of 18 months of consultation that began with a sleep-over in tents in the Turbine Hall last year.
More than 3,000 pupils aged 11-19 took part in discussions where they called for greater freedom in schools.
They want more opportunities to take risks "so that we are not afraid to try new things".
And they want more spaces where they can be creative as well as mentors to help them get into the creative industries because "we don't know how it works".
Nicholas Serota, the Tate director, said they had been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm for the project and the "impressive" way young people had delivered their advice.
"It is vital that they have a say in the creative future of this country," he said.
The gallery will now discuss the findings with bodies including Arts Council England in the hope that they will be taken on board in future decision-making and planning.
Sir Nicholas said: "Tate is very privileged to have been able to use their input in the planning process for the new development at Tate Modern."
Paul Collard, director of Creative Partnerships which works in schools, said: "As a country, the creativity of your young people is the greatest asset you have.
"If we want to engage more young people in cultural and creative activities, we have to listen to them."
An Ipsos/Mori poll today showed two fifths of young people have had career talks on getting a job in creative industries. But more than half said they had never visited an art gallery.
Reader views (4)
I would like to consider Mr Lonsdale of Doncaster’s view;
"Our children need to be taught literacy, numeracy and other subjects that will equip them for life in the workplace, not life on the dole."
I think you will find that with SATS, 11+, end of term assessments, tests for the purpose of 'streamlining' students, etc, there is already a huge focus on literacy, numeracy and science in schools today. Students are made very aware of importance of maths, English and science with great emphasis being placed on their role in providing a basis on which to obtain a 'regular' job.
This does not mean the children of today should to have to find themselves creatively stifled, or indeed mean that we should encourage a future culturally and creatively unaware.
To suggest an embracing of the arts and creative practise within schools would lead to "life on the dole" is an uninformed statement.
All the while there are people who feel the way Mr Lonsdale does, arts education and creative encouragement will have to continue to push very hard for the presence and respect in schools it deserves.
Arts education and creative awareness is a valid and essential part of learning and personal and development.
- J Kanetti, Surrey
Hip Hip hurray for the youth of today.I say.
- Keith, Manchester UK
How unusual, there's people out there with no experience in the world telling the world what it needs. The sad thing about it all is that there's those in power (read 'socialist ideologues') who actually think that kids can decide for themselves what they need to learn, despite what the real world calls for!
- Rogan, Irving
"Pupils call for more freedom 'to be creative'"- Sorry, but I don't believe this for one minute.
This is another load of left liberal tosh that has been planted in the minds of the young and impressionable.
Our children need to be taught literacy, numeracy and other subjects that will equip them for life in the workplace, not life on the dole.
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster
