Community

From classrooms to communities

Creative Leaders norfolk
01 Nov 2024
Angela Brett - Associate Director Marketing
Angela Brett

Associate Director

Supporting Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s Creative Leaders

The Creative Leaders programme from Norfolk & Norwich Festival brings together educators, artists, and young people across our region. Now in its third year, the initiative is building momentum and reaching communities in some of the most underserved corners of East Anglia. At its heart are three strands. One of these is the bursary programme, which each year awards sixteen Artists and Young Creatives £2,500 to test bold ideas that connect creativity with everyday life. This is just one part of the wider Creative Leaders programme.

Why creativity matters for our region

In a busy world, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that bring us joy. Creativity enriches our lives, builds vital skills, and strengthens communities. By partnering with the Festival and supporting this programme, we believe we can help enhance the cultural landscape for Norfolk’s educators, artists, and young people. The aim is clear: to build cultural infrastructure for the future, embedding creativity not only in artistic practice but also in education and community life.

FLOCK takes flight

Across the region, FLOCK is taking shape. Designed and delivered by young people for young people, this network brings together 18–25 year olds who are finding their voices, building skills, and connecting with peers who share their drive. The FLOCK Co Directors, themselves aged 18–25, work alongside Festival staff throughout the year to design and deliver events, set themes, choose venues, and invite speakers. Each Co Director also takes the lead on producing a network event, ensuring FLOCK remains youth led and dynamic.

Artists and educators creating change

Creative practitioners are rolling up their sleeves in schools and communities, experimenting with new ways of working and weaving creativity into everyday life. Alongside them, teachers, the Creative Educators, are building networks that bring imagination into classrooms. Their shared goal is to ensure creativity is not an afterthought but a foundation for learning.

Why we’re here

Our involvement is straightforward, supporting bursaries, networks, and professional development is not just about today’s projects, it is about tomorrow’s leaders. It is about ensuring our region has the cultural infrastructure they need to thrive. Our partnership with Norfolk and Norwich Festival reflects a long-term commitment to helping communities flourish, not only financially but culturally and socially.

Get involved

If this sparks your interest, or know a young person who would benefit in the Young creatives professional network, find out more here: Creative Leaders | Norfolk & Norwich Festival.