The WEMA Cultural Education Hub gives every child in the region access to inspiring cultural activities, supporting them to achieve their aspirations and engage with a rich, creative curriculum.
Launched in 2024, through funding from the West of England Combined Authority and Arts Council England, the Hub brings together schools, multi-academy trusts, cultural organisations, and creative practitioners to collaborate on high-quality arts opportunities for children and young people. We support schools and education settings through:
- Creative Workshops
Book interactive workshops for your students, delivered by experienced practitioners in subjects such as drama, visual arts, and creative writing.
- Teacher CPD
Access high-quality professional development delivered by leading cultural organisations and facilitators, equipping staff to deliver inspiring, creative learning.
- Careers & Industry Connections
Opportunities and events that link schools with creative professionals and industry partners, offering students valuable insights into cultural careers and study pathways. - Creative Residencies
Opportunities to apply for longer-term residencies that place an artist in your school to address a specific need, driving meaningful and lasting change.
Cultural Education Hub project in numbers:
- £310,000 in funding from West of England Combined Authority and Arts Council England.
- 9000 local students given access to creative experiences.
- 450 schools able to engage in creative workshops or residencies.
- 300 teachers able to participate in Creative Professional Development sessions in a variety of creative subjects.
- Support for 27 creative freelancers to work in education settings.
Research – two reports exploring the impact and learning from our Cultural Education Hub.
The reports show how the hub is building a practical, partnership-led model for cultural education: one that connects schools, creative practitioners, young people, communities and cultural organisations, responding to local needs and widening access to high-quality arts and creative learning.
Case Studies – Cultural Eductation in Action
Our case studies highlight the impact of our work with schools, students, and cultural partners. From boosting confidence and creativity, to supporting curriculum goals and whole-school change. They include both case studies of creative practitioner workshops in schools and creative residencies.
Contact
If you would like to find out more about how the WEMA Cultural Education Hub can support and enhance the creative curriculum in your school or education setting, please use the button below to contact us.
Funding
West of England Cultural Education Hub is supported through funding from the West of England Combined Authority and Arts Council England, and is a strand of the Culture West programme. The Hub is led by West of England Music and Arts, and supported by a steering group of schools, facilitators and cultural organisations.