Creative Break Time is an opportunity to transform the creative learning landscape in Southend and across the country. Teachers are exhausted – how do we give them creative respite to recharge their creative batteries and find new ways to be? This 3-year project supported by Freelands Foundation, centres teachers, their care, rest and wellbeing to bring Southend artists and teachers together in meaningful collaboration. It has the potential to revolutionise the way teachers and schools embed creativity. Investing in teachers’ creativity, we will bring about lasting change in Southend schools across all curriculums and key stages.
In partnership with Metal, TOMA and Focal Point Gallery, Creative Break Time recognises the radical nature of educators’ access to ‘creative time’ and the long-term impact of this in developing inspiring, creative educational practice. We will support teachers at Shoeburyness High, Chase High, Darlinghurst Academy, and Greenways Academy, through respite and care to infuse creativity back into their classrooms.
Creative Break Time includes ‘creative time’ residencies for teachers paired with local artists during school hours; a dedicated cohort of teachers will emerge as advocates within their schools, equipped with practical tools to weave new creative practices into the fabric of education. This approach extends support beyond traditional educational roles, emphasising care, rest, and wellbeing to encourage creativity within teachers’ existing responsibilities.
We’re looking forward to sharing more updates as Creative Break Time takes shape.
