Kindling
Kindling aims to build partnerships between Arts and Cultural organisations and the Early Years Sector, developing creative and critical thinking for Somerset’s under 5s, advocating creative excellence and disseminating experiences at a national level.
We also offer strategic support and brokering to enable funding opportunities for Somerset’s under 5s and their families to experience excellent art.
Funded by the Arts Council England to be the first point of contact for Early Years creativity in Somerset, Kindling was set up to increase the breadth and the awareness of Early Years creativity in the county. We also offer training and signposting for artists, practitioners and arts organisations; and deliver a regular programme of cross artform workshops and courses with partners such as SCIL, Forest Schools, Children’s Centres and arts organisations.
Through our pathfinder status and membership of Early Arts, Kindling aims to highlight exemplary work from Somerset and around the UK. We work in collaboration with Somerset’s arts education partnership Spaeda, as well as arts, play, health and education teams across the county.
- Please see right hand side links for other Somerset Arts organisations working with with Early Years.
- Please visit the Somerset Arts Website to see all Early Years/Family events taking place across the county.
Contacts
Kindling is based at Take Art and managed by Early Years creativity specialists, Caroline Barnes and Gina Westbrook. Caroline Barnes can be found at caroline@takeart.org and Gina Westbrook can be found at gina@takeart.org or tel 01460 249450.
"Introducing the arts, including the theatre, to Early Years is essential. This age group is so open to the stimulation and learning opportunities that are only accessible through these kinds of experiences."
Angie Ward, independent dance practitoner