iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 18/09/2026

What does this social media ban mean for your work? We are hosting an online roundtable bringing together researchers, arts orgs, teachers, and young people to discuss the impact of the social media ban. Book your spot: socialmediabanroundtable.eventbrite.co.uk

Promotional poster for an online roundtable "The Impact of the Social Media Ban on Cultural Education. Online and free. Thursday 15/10/26. 10am to 12pm", featuring three smiling women speakers against a warm gradient background.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 08/09/2026

With thanks to Wigan Council, Arts Council England, Key Fund Investments, MAKE (NW) Limited, We Made That and DJL Construction for helping make it happen.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 08/09/2026

There's still a long way to go, but it's exciting to see the vision starting to take shape. And as for what the building will be called? You'll have to watch this space... The lights are coming back on at Wigan Pier, and we can't wait to welcome you in.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 08/09/2026

We're proud to be part of the regeneration of one of the NW's most iconic heritage sites. Our ambition is to create a place where artists, educators, schools + cultural partners come together to share ideas, develop practice + help ensure more CYP can access high-quality cultural opportunities.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 08/09/2026

We've never been so pleased to see so much scaffolding! After years of planning, work is now underway on the refurbishment of Pier 2 at Wigan Pier, creating a new home for Curious Minds and a major new hub for arts and cultural education.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 08/09/2026

As schools face increasing pressure on time, budgets and resources, the value of learning beyond the classroom has never been more important to understand.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 21/08/2026

❓️ What happens when you start opening doors for the next generation of emerging talent? We'll be exploring the answer to this question in our upcoming The Hour: Spotlight session with ERIC Co-Founder Mae Yip. Register to join and be part of the conversation: thehourspotlightsep26.eventbrite.co.uk

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 07/08/2026

We are excited to welcome Mae Yip, Co-Founder of ERIC, for an honest conversation about building opportunities for young people. 🗓️ Thursday, 24th September 2026 🕛️ 12pm to 1pm Don't miss out: thehourspotlightsep26.eventbrite.co.uk

Promotional poster for "The Hour: Spotlight" an online free event on Thursday 24/09/26, 12:00–13:00, showing a smiling presenter at a table with the Curious Creatives Network and Curious Minds logos

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 06/08/2026

Writing in The Times, Education Secretary Lucy Powell has signalled major changes to how schools teach, arguing that a "one-size-fits-all" system built around traditional subjects has left a generation of children behind. Read our response here: www.curiousminds.org.uk/our-response...

A quote graphic “Every young person in every postcode deserves the chance to find out what they're good at, and how it could shape their life. That's the change we'll keep pushing for." Derri Burdon, CEO of Curious Minds and Co-Chair of the Cultural Learning Alliance

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 31/07/2026

What last made you feel curious? In the third blog accompanying his PhD research journey, Saul Argent explores curiosity, its history, and how it relates to education. To read, please go to: www.curiousminds.org.uk/the-curious-...

A pair of hands tying string around a rolled-up piece of colourful paper.

Several students in matching school uniforms seated in a classroom with keyboards and monitors, one wearing a small behind-the-ear device, appearing attentive as they listen to a lesson.

Two students in black school uniforms stand under a covered shelter by a fenced field, smiling and holding rolled-up papers.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 23/07/2026

You can now access two course modules for free online, so you can get a feel for the course content and see if it’s a good fit for your school. Teachers, bookmark this for your summer reading list! 👉 Sample the COTC online training: www.curiousminds.org.uk/cotc-online-...

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 23/07/2026

We're excited to share that you can now sample our Curiosity Outside the Classroom - School Trips & Visits training online. Spark curiosity in your students by delivering brilliant school trips and visits

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 21/07/2026

🚨 Last chance to apply! 🚨 Teachers, you have until 24 July for Leading the Arts in Your School. This CPD programme designed for early and mid-career educators who want to champion creativity, culture and the arts across their school.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 14/07/2026

Curious Minds and colleagues from The University of Salford visited Dr Salisbury & Amina Atiq's Year 10 Rhyme & Reason group to record a podcast following the completion of the Rhyme & Reason project, to hear reflections on their experiences during the workshops. The young people had a blast!

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 09/07/2026

What makes facilitation truly successful? Teresa Baggaley, Head of Learning & Development at Curious Minds, explores the State of Facilitation 2026 report and argues that great facilitation is about more than positive feedback.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 03/07/2026

Two Thursdays. Two conversations. 16 July - The Hour: Connect: thehourconnectjuly26.eventbrite.co.uk 30 July - The Hour: Spotlight with WCCD: thehourspotlightjuly26.eventbrite.co.uk Free, online sessions for creatives working with children & young people. Connect, reflect, and be inspired.

Colourful graphic with text that reads "Coming up this July"

The Hour: Connect promotional banner for a free online networking session on Thursday 16/07/26, 12:00–13:00, showing two laughing women and Curious Minds/Curious Creatives Network logos inviting artists, educators and freelancers to connect.

Promotional banner for "The Hour: Spotlight" — an online, free event on Thursday 30/07/26, 12:00–13:00, showing two women standing side-by-side with logos for Curious Minds and the Curious Creatives Network.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 02/07/2026

What an incredible privilege to spend 2 inspiring days w/ our new SLiCE® Fellowship cohort at their residential, bringing together passionate leaders from education + the cultural sector to explore the future of cultural ed. Find out more about SLiCE® : www.curiousminds.org.uk/slice-fellow...

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 26/06/2026

Meet our Awards host…Jayde Adams! We are so excited to announce that the wonderful Jayde Adams will be hosting the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026! Join us at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on Wednesday 21 October. Book your tickets now: bit.ly/NACEAwards2026

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 23/06/2026

One month left to apply! ⏰️ Teachers, would you like to bring more creativity, culture and arts into the school day? Do you want to see how creative approaches can boost learning right across your curriculum? Do you believe every child deserves a rich, imaginative education?

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 18/06/2026

Our next Scribbles Learning Network meeting is coming up! 30 Jun, 1-3pm, Manchester Art Gallery Are you an early years practitioner based in the North West looking to connect with peers? Join us to connect and discuss all things early years education.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 14/06/2026

1 day to go to nominate yourself or somebody else for the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026. If you've been considering a nomination, now is the time to get that submission in. Don't miss out: www.curiousminds.org.uk/nace-awards-...

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 13/06/2026

2 days to nominate for the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards. Celebrating arts, culture and creativity for young people, in and out of school. Deadline for nominations is midday (12:00pm) on Monday 15th June 2026. No late entries will be accepted. www.curiousminds.org.uk/nace-awards-...

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 12/06/2026

The National Arts and Cultural Education Awards shine a light on best practice and innovation in the field of creative and cultural learning, wherever it is happening. Just 3 days left to nominate! Deadline is midday (12:00pm) on Monday 15th June 2026: www.curiousminds.org.uk/nace-awards-...

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 12/06/2026

Ydych chi'n byw yng Nghymru ac yn gwneud gwaith anhygoel ym maes addysg gelfyddydol a diwylliannol? 🧡

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 11/06/2026

4 days left to nominate for the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards. Deadline for nominations is midday (12:00pm) on Monday 15th June 2026. No late entries will be accepted: www.curiousminds.org.uk/nace-awards-...

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 10/06/2026

5 days to nominate for the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards. Celebrating arts, culture and creativity for young people, in and out of school. Deadline for nominations is midday (12:00pm) on Monday 15th June 2026. No late entries will be accepted: bit.ly/4uVhOPd

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 05/06/2026

Nominations close in 10 days! We know that brilliant and innovative people and projects are using art and creativity to make a real, lasting impact on the lives of young people everywhere in the UK. Please nominate them today: bit.ly/43dAk9g

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 22/05/2026

We’re loving seeing nominations come in for the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards. We know that preparing a strong nomination takes time, so we’re extending the nominations window to give more people the time and opportunity to put forward their brilliant work from across the sector.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 18/05/2026

Deadline: midday (12:00pm) on Monday 1st June 2026 We know that brilliant and innovative people and projects are using art and creativity to make a real, lasting impact on the lives of young people everywhere in the UK. Please nominate them today: bit.ly/41c5YD1

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 14/05/2026

The 2026 Arts Education Report Card is out, released by the Cultural Learning Alliance and the Royal Shakespeare Company. The UK's most comprehensive evidence base ever assembled on arts education in England. Read the research here: www.culturallearningalliance.org.uk/evidence/#an...

A young person playing the violin in black and white. Colourful shapes behind them.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 06/05/2026

Applications are open for our Sept 26 - Mar 27 cohort! Leading the Arts in Your School is a CPD programme for teachers who want to embed creativity, culture, + the arts across their school. We give early to mid-career educators the skills, knowledge + confidence to be an outstanding arts leader.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 26/04/2026

Need a space to connect? We run regular online network sessions designed to bring a diverse community of like-minded creatives and educators together. The aim is to share challenges, ideas, and opportunities in a supportive space. thehourconnectmay26.eventbrite.co.uk

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 25/04/2026

Are you an aspiring arts or cultural leader? Join us for the Hour: Spotlight with Keith Jeffrey - a highly experienced cultural leader, social entrepreneur, and executive coach. Book your space: thehourspotlightmay26.eventbrite.co.uk

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 25/04/2026

Who has genuinely changed the field of arts education and cultural learning for the better? ✨ We want your suggestions for the Changemaker Award, as part of the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards. Self-nominations not accepted. Deadline: 1st June 2026. forms.office.com/e/HGXuTu5fMi

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 24/04/2026

Know a project or programme that has used arts and culture to tackle a real barrier, and made a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people? 🔥 Nominations are open for the Spark the Change Award. Deadline: midday, 1st June 2026. Nominate here: forms.office.com/e/fDLugnaE3K

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 23/04/2026

Know a school that has embedded arts, creativity, and culture to the benefit of pupils, staff, and the wider community. Nominations are open for the Arts Leadership in Education Award. Deadline: midday, 1st June 2026. Nominate here: forms.office.com/e/LB6Qzh2xD7

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 22/04/2026

Call for performers for the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026 ceremony We’re seeking performers to bring the awards ceremony to life. Find out more here: curiousminds.org.uk/call-for-per...

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 16/04/2026

Know a freelance teaching artist whose commitment to children and young people is truly something special? 🎨 Nominations are open for the Fearless Freelancer Award as part of the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026. Nominate here: forms.office.com/e/u5bcWZNiXB

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 14/04/2026

Know an individual, team, or organisation that's pioneered a genuinely new approach to engaging young people in arts and culture? Nominations are open for the Innovators in Engagement Award, a brand new category in the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026. forms.office.com/e/ThYLspg7UW

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 13/04/2026

Know a large arts or cultural organisation that uses its influence to make the whole sector stronger? 💡 Nominations are open for the Power in Practice Award as part of the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026, now open across the whole UK. Nominate here: forms.office.com/e/iYKv3S6HA5

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 10/04/2026

Know a place-based partnership that's transformed access to arts and culture for children and young people in their community? 🤝 Nominations are open for the Inspirational Local Partnership Award, part of the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026: forms.office.com/e/mYZ8FF1aRJ

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 05/04/2026

Know a grassroots creative organisation doing extraordinary work for children and families in their community? 🌿 Nominations are open for The Mighty Roots Award, as part of the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026. Deadline: midday, 1st June 2026. Nominate here 👇 [LINK]

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 04/04/2026

Know a young person using creativity to drive real change? 🎨 Nominations are open for The Young Arts Activism Award as part of the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026! Deadline: midday, 1st June 2026. Nominate here 👇 forms.office.com/e/HAk1HKh1gD

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 31/03/2026

Arts education is finally gaining the policy support it deserves - but real change depends on what we do next. In an article for Art Fund’s Art Quarterly, our CEO Derri Burdon explores how cultural organisations can turn this long‑awaited policy shift into genuine entitlement for every child.

“When quality and depth are compromised, young people lose out, particularly those facing the greatest barriers.”

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 30/03/2026

Huge thank you to everyone who attended our wonderful conversation with Justin O'Connor, author of Culture is Not an Industry: Reclaiming Art and Culture for the Common Good. We had people register from all around the world. Let us know if you were there!

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 27/03/2026

The NACE Awards are not only a celebration of arts and cultural education, they also provide a platform for us to support fundraising for our Chance to See Fund, a partnership between us and Wigan band, The Lathums, created to open up access to creative experiences for children and young people.

Hands on piano keys with the logos of the NACE Awards, The Chance To See Fund, Curious Minds and The Lathums

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 26/03/2026

The programme created a really supportive, collaborative environment that connected me with brilliant people from across the sector, many of whom have since become valued colleagues and friends. It was an inspiring and energising experience that continues to shape my practice today."

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 26/03/2026

We caught up with Helen Stalker, Helen Stalker, Director of Engage (the National Association for Gallery Education) and SLiCE alumni about the impact of taking part in the programme. 🗣️ Applications for the 26/27 cohort close on Monday! 🗣️

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 24/03/2026

⏰️ Deadline approaching ⏰️ The SLiCE Fellowship is an 18-month professional development programme for school senior leaders and cultural organisation leaders. Learning and developing side by side, you'll forge powerful partnerships + develop the vision, tools, + network to lead system change.

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Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 04/03/2026

Nominations are OPEN for the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026! We are inviting nominations for 10 categories. Find out more: curiousminds.org.uk/nace-awards-...

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