Cynefin: culturally and ethnically diverse Wales

The Arts Council of Wales in partnership with Welsh Government are pleased to announce the continuation of Cynefin: culturally and ethnically diverse Wales. 

We aim to expand the network of schools across Wales that will be supported to devise and deliver creative collaborative projects relating to: 

• exploring identity in relation to growing up in contemporary Wales 

• understanding the history and development of Wales as a culturally diverse society 

• gaining awareness of the people, cultures and communities that make up contemporary Wales   

• exploring the experiences and contributions of culturally and ethnic diverse people in Wales, past and present  

• working alongside Creative Professionals in a learning environment to enhance the quality of teaching and learning 

• complementing existing anti-racist approaches and practices 

What we're looking for  

We are inviting schools from across Wales to be a part of our latest creative learning offer that will connect schools with inspirational Creative Professionals. Where possible, we hope to work with Creative Professionals from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds to add authenticity to this work.  

Background 

Cynefin: culturally and ethnically diverse Wales draws upon the strengths of the Lead Creative Schools Scheme that has helped schools explore new ideas and approaches to teaching and learning over the last 7 years.  

At the heart of the scheme is co-construction, co-delivery, pupil voice and pupil decision making. It is an enquiry-based approach that uses arts interventions and creative pedagogy to explore themes, issues and challenges across all areas of learning. 

What will the offer entail  

• Schools will work in collaboration with a designated Creative Professional to plan a creative learning project that explores elements of Cynefin: culturally and ethnically diverse Wales 

• Successful schools will be invited to attend a one-day online training course delivered by the Arts Council of Wales, to ensure that they are fully prepared for the project. The training dates are shown in the timeline below. 

• Schools will work alongside their designated Creative Professional to deliver these projects to a class of learners. A class of learners may be a cohort of learners that have been pulled together from across the school (it should be no more than 30 learners) 

• As a school, you will appoint a senior leader to oversee the strategic delivery of the project to complement anti racist approaches and affect whole school change 

• As a school, you will reflect throughout the course of the project and conduct a final evaluation. There will also be opportunities for you to share your findings with other teaching professionals and creatives across Wales 

Funding and support 

We are looking to work with up to 40 schools as part of Cynefin: culturally and ethnically diverse Wales 

Each school will receive 16 days support from a Creative Professional employed by the Arts Council of Wales.  

In addition to this, each school will receive a grant of £2000 towards resources to support the project.  

The designated teacher will attend a one-day online training course delivered by the Arts Council of Wales and will gain opportunities to collaborate with other schools across Wales to form a learning network. 

Eligibility 

The scheme is open to all local authority maintained and voluntary-aided primary and secondary schools, including special schools and specialist teaching facilities. Schools who are currently a Lead Creative School and/or have been a Cynefin school previously are ineligible to apply.  

How to apply 

An application form for Cynefin: culturally and ethnically diverse Wales can be found here. 

This application should be completed by the teacher who will be designated to run the project. 

Applications close at 12:00 (midday), Monday 10th October 2022. 

Timeline 

How to find out more 

Should you wish to apply we strongly suggest that you attend one of our online briefing sessions as detailed below. This will be an opportunity to find out more about the offer and ask any questions. 

If you have any further queries, please contact one of the creative learning team as detailed below  

Apply 

Schools will need to ensure that they have registered on our online portal before completing an application form. Once you have registered on the online portal you will be able to access the application forms. We recommend that you register your school on our portal at least 5 working days before you wish to start your application. To register on the portal, click here to create your account. 

Arts Council of Wales is committed to making information available in large print, easy read, braille, audio and will endeavour to provide information in languages other than Welsh, English or British Sign Language on request.  

We operate an Equal Opportunities Recruitment Policy and welcome applications from all sections of the community in Welsh or English.