iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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.

000

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.

100

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.

110

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.

110

Drawing on emerging research and evidence, Teresa Baggaley, Head of Learning & Development at Curious Minds, makes the case for school trips, visits and cultural experiences, and why they deserve a place in every child's education. Read the piece: www.curiousminds.org.uk/school-trips...

School trips are not an added extra!

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

000

Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 01/09/2026

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

100

In our latest blog, Cara Williams from the Clore Duffield Foundation shares how the School Trips Grant and Curious Minds' Curiosity Outside the Classroom training are helping schools create ambitious, enriching visits for every pupil. Read more: www.curiousminds.org.uk/making-schoo...

Beyond the classroom: making school trips count

Learn how Clore Duffield Foundation’s School Trips Grant and Curious Minds’ specialist CPD are helping schools plan ambitious, creative and impactful educational visits.

100

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

000

Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 20/08/2026

There is an exciting opportunity to join our marketing team on a fixed-term contract, providing maternity cover for our Communications Manager. The deadline for applying for this role is 9am on Monday, 31 August 2026. Apply and find out more here: www.curiousminds.org.uk/comms-manage...

Vacancy: Communications Manager (Maternity cover)

We're looking for an experienced communications professional to join our nationally recognised, values-driven arts education charity at an exciting moment in its journey.

000

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

000

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

000

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.

000

Reposted by Curious Minds

North East Museums @northeastmuseums.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

We are thrilled to share that we have been shortlisted for the Power in Practice Award at National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026. The awards hosted by @curiousminds.org.uk shine a light on best practice and innovation in the field of creative and cultural learning.

A bright blue graphic with white text which reads 'National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026 finalist with Curious Minds'. Below the text is a purple map of the United Kingdom with stars and music notes.

152

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-...

000

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

100

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

✅ Build your leadership skills ✅ Strengthen your understanding of arts and cultural education ✅ Develop an action plan to drive impact in your setting ✅ Connect with a network of like-minded educators 📅 Programme runs September 2026 – March 2027 ⏰ Applications close 24 July

Leading the Arts In Your School CPD

A professional development programme (CPD) for teachers who want to embed creativity, culture and the arts across their school. Applications now open for 26/27 cohorts.

100

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.

100

Curious Minds @curiousminds.org.uk · 15/07/2026

Announcing our finalists! The quality of entries for this year's National Arts and Cultural Education Awards was exceptionally high, making the panels' job no easy task. You can see the full list here: www.curiousminds.org.uk/finalists-na... Been nominated? Please let us know!

The Finalists of the National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026

Announcing the finalists of the 2026 National Arts and Cultural Education Awards. A shortlist of wonderful organisations, projects and people from across the UK who are doing incredible work for…

000

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!

000

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

It’s about designing for change, demonstrating impact and creating outcomes that last beyond the session. Read Teresa's full piece: www.curiousminds.org.uk/state-of-fac... Image - Mind the Ad consultation day with young people from across the Wigan Borough & Wigan Council

The gap between an inspiring session and real change

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…

000

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

100

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.

000

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...

000

Sharp-witted and never knowingly understated, Jayde embodies the idea that creativity belongs to everyone, wherever you start. We can't think of anyone better to celebrate the individuals throwing open those doors for children and young people across the UK.

010

Since then, she's starred in the BAFTA-winning Alma's Not Normal, created and led her own ITV sitcom Ruby Speaking, sparkled on Strictly, and racked up millions of views with her comedy special Serious Black Jumper.

100

Comedian, actor, writer, singer and Bristol's unofficial ambassador, Jayde is living proof of what happens when working-class talent finds its stage. She cut her teeth singing opera on the cabaret circuit before winning the Funny Women Award and a Best Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Fringe.

100

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

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

110

Leading the Arts in Your School gives early to mid-career educators the skills, knowledge and confidence to be a brilliant arts leader in any school setting. We're accepting applications for our 26/27 cohort until 24 July 2026. www.curiousminds.org.uk/leading-the-...