Space of Possibilities: ‘Developing young people’s skills as co-constructors in learning’
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Date:2005 - 2006
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Introduction:
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Article:
'Space of Possibilities': taking a creative look at the city
The project brought together over 150 children, aged 5 to 15, from 13 local Coventry schools to explore a very different way of creating and presenting a cultural strategy for their city. Working with artists drawn from many different disciplines, the children's exciting ideas have informed and guided the policy makers as they devised the blueprint for Coventry's future cultural direction.
It wasn't just a consultation exercise. These sessions were demanding, creative and designed to focus some of the most imaginative minds in our community. The 'Space of Possibilities' is a way of expressing what we found.
The Feedback:
"The Space of Possibilites project was greadt because we got to think about what we wanted the future of Coventry to be like and we had adults listening to us." Jamie Laister-Smith, aged 11
"It has been really valuable to get such creative input from so many local children. They use the city's cultural facilties, so it is only right that they should have their say - this project has made sure we all hear their voices." Hamish Glen, Chair of Coventry City's Cultural Partnership
"Working with the young people was inspirational for me - their energy, enthusiasm and creativity became a driving force...which in turn also challenged me and left me questioning when and why do we stop dreaming, block our creative mind, stop believeing anything is possible?" Kathi Leahy, Imagineer Productions
"Through this project we have enabled children's voices to be heard loud and clear. We want all the organisations in the city to recognise that local children and young people are a massive and vital resource of creative thinkers and problem solvers. Coventry will be a very different place if we take time to listen to children's voices and value their perceptions, creative ideas and aspirations." Jo Trowsdale, Creative Director, Cre8us
The Cre8us effect...
'Space of Possibilities'
Together with support from practitioners, the young people explored Coventry, taking notes, photographs and video footage to record their observations, impressions, thoughts, feelings and desires for the future. The children reflected on what they liked about Coventry, what they felt was missing and most importantly what they would like to see changed. They interviewed senior policy makers, business leaders and politicians as well as friends, families and other community memebers.
From the myriad of exciting ideas that emerged, an exhibition was produced presenting the children's "top possibilities", illustrating the young people's hopes, dreams and aspirations for their city. The exhibition was displayed at the spectacular 'Made in Coventry event at the Ricoh Arena, and at The Herbert Art Gallery.
1. The greenest city in the UK
Almost all the children’s ideas had a green, sustainable agenda; many groups insisted their own research trips be carbon neutral. The children’s first and most ambitious desire was that Coventry should aspire to become the greenest city in the UK. Ideas included replacing the city’s ring road with an energy efficient monorail, new eco buildings, making a commitment to renewable energy and planning to ensure all citizens should never be more than five minutes walk away from a green space.
2. A city where no one is lonely
Some schools have mechanisms where older children look out for younger children who are feeling isolated. A supportive, considerate environment is developed, but how is this transferred into a city? Ideas about friendship benches, text zones, young people’s ‘mentors’ or ‘city guides’ were among the many offered. Many felt that a city’s purpose is to help grow, encourage or rescue the individuals that constitute it. The children created the character of ‘Bob’ a superhero to support all citizens of Coventry.
3. A place where all journeys are thrilling
It’s hard to say if a helter skelter from each floor of the giant Axa building is meant to be taken literally. It expresses much, though. The idea comes from the same impulse as the desire to ride on the top deck of the bus on the way to school. Implicit in this idea is an understanding that a journey can be transformative.
4. The city makes us laugh
The young people believe that a city should always encourage the exploration of serious issues - but in a city like Coventry that still bears the scars of conflict there is also an important place reserved for humour and wit. So it was suggested that drive in cinemas, backwards skateboarding competitions, blue plaques to commemorate the place where heroic chat up lines were delivered, a maze in the Memorial Park and a city where every neighbourhood could have a sprinkler park could all bring humour to Coventry.
5. Spectacular yet full of accidental beauty
Young people said Yes to stand-out architecture, yes to bold building, yes to churches and cathedrals, but also yes to gaps in the skyline where a sunset or a rainbow can be seen. Yes to an overgrown bank of wild flowers. Yes to the appearance of muddy puddles to jump into. Yes to frost on trees. Yes to riding bikes on waste ground. Yes to having the right music on your headphones as you walk over the railway bridge.
6. Views high up and low down
The higher the altitude, the higher the spirits. Being up high is exciting! Observation galleries in the tallest buildings, towers built whose sole purpose is both the view from the top and the journey in the glass lift to get there. Conversely, there was concern about what is there to see if you’re small, apart from knees, exhaust pipes and chewing gum? Inspiration and stimulation - artwork, colour, lights, sounds and textures all need to start from pavement level, and then continue into the clouds.
7. The city eases family stress
Children recognised that many families suffer anxiety and a sense of feeling trapped in their own part of the city. Projects that open the city up to people - trips, guided tours, outings and free amenities should be supported and made easier. The idea of a creating a beach came up independently in a several groups - it represented holiday, timeout from a routine, uncomplicated enjoyment, water fun, unpretentiousness and relaxation.
8. The city is a safe risk
Sliding down a zip line for the first time is the kind of safe risk many children like. So came the desire for more age specific play areas, supervised adventure parks and comfortable social areas for teenagers to meet and talk. There was a huge enthusiasm for places like McDonalds - because they are safe, warm, affordable and somewhere young people can talk to friends. Society recognises that the pub plays an important but complicated social function for adults, and so the question was raised - were fast food outlets doing something right that we were all missing?
9. It gives us pride to say we live hereMany wanted to explore who they are and felt this would be easier to do in a city that is clear about its own identity. Institutions that celebrate the city’s heritage, old and new, permanent and temporary were praised. Young people really want to know about their city.
10. Everything is celebrated
There was the aspiration that Coventry’s social calendar should be the most packed of any city in the UK with more parades and carnivals that harness the enthusiasm of young people. Coventry should aspire to gain a reputation for the right kind of liveliness - liveliness with a focus. Many wanted a cultural centre, a place to develop a strong religious and cultural identity through a citywide celebration of its many religious festivals. Good schools create an environment of cultural exploration that young people wanted for their city as well. The bottom line behind this possibility - everyone likes a party!
Creative Practitioners: Janet Vaughan (Talking Birds), Ravinder Dhaliwal, Jay Langdell, Nikky Smedley, Fran Higginson, Nicola Richardson, Simon Day, Dilwara Begum, Leroy Henry, Richard Elms (Herbert Media), Julia Negus and Chris O'Connell (Theatre Absolute), Kathi Leahy (Imagineer Productions), Brian Bishop (Warwick Arts Centre), Natalie Rodden (BBC Coventry & Warwickshire)
Schools: Finham Park Secondary School, Tile Hill Wood School & Language College, Lyng Hall Secondary School, Stivichall Primary School, Hillfields Children's Centre, Ernesford Grange Secondary School, Finham Primary School, Southfields Primary School, Edgewick Primary School, Foxford Secondary School & Community Arts College, St. Mary & St. Benedict's Primary School, Earlsdon Primary School, Pearl Hyde Primary School.
If you are interested in this project and would like to find out more, please contact Cre8us: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 024 7670 7665.