We all feel the power of creativity—but can we prove it?
In this session, researcher and creative youth practitioner Saul Argent invites us to explore one of the most intriguing questions in arts education: Can creativity really be measured? And if so, should it be?
Drawing on his experience across participatory arts, cultural education, and impact evaluation, Saul will share insights into how researchers (including himself) attempt to measure the outcomes of artist-led work—and why this matters. From practical tools to provocative questions, this session will open up new ways of thinking about value, impact, and the role of evidence in our practice.
Ideal for anyone who's ever faced an evaluation form and thought, "Where do I even begin?"
Having worked in cultural education for the past decade, Saul Argent is undertaking a PhD with Goldsmiths, University of London, in partnership with Curious Minds, to better understand the impact of artists working with schools. Using psychological research methods across a number of studies will generate important empirical data that can contribute to developing a clearer picture of the value of this work.
In particular, Saul is interested in how working with artists might impact students' creativity, curiosity and critical thinking, as well as how this work affects teachers and the artists themselves. The research itself will connect with existing artist-in-school projects across the UK (primary and secondary, age range 4-18), with a hope that this will be able to contribute a layer of understanding to work taking place, while encouraging schools, MATs, policy-makers and funders to consider the importance of artist-led creative learning in schools.
Who is the Network for?
This network is for anyone with an interest and commitment to creating high quality work for, by and with children and young people. You may be an artist, creative, teacher, producer, programme manager, director, policy maker, freelancer or part of an organisation.
We are aiming to build a diverse network of professionals from across the cultural and education sectors.
Why join the Curious Creatives Network?
- Meet regularly with a diverse group of other like-minded people who are passionate about championing the benefits of arts and culture in the lives of children and young people.
- Hear from and be inspired by diverse professionals and experts in the cultural education field.
- Gain insights into policy, funding, commissioning, and other opportunities in the sector.
- Take part in dialogue, reflection, and critical thinking.
- Sustain and grow your cultural education practice.
- Explore opportunities for collaboration and critical friendship.
- Build a sense of identity and purpose together with other diverse practitioners.
Explore topics such as:
- What do we mean by creative health?
- Working in schools
- Writing a funding bid
- Applying for commissions
- Creativity with refugee and asylum seeker young people
- How to build access and inclusion into your creative work
- Starting out on a creative career/ how to develop a creative portfolio.
- Building effective networks
- Working with early years
- Artist as activist
- Youth offending & social justice
- Social prescribing
- Trauma Informed Practice
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this event or suggestions for speakers you would like to hear from, please email adam.iqbal@curiousminds.org.uk
You will be contacted in advance with the zoom link, or you can access this via the online event page a few days before the event.
