Start uses the lessons learned in projects to inform future work. You can see the full reports here.

This is a project which seeks to develop a new role and a new conception for the arts in early years – that of a resident, lead creative practitioner working across and within the organisations serving both the arts and young children and their families. The aim of the research is to explore and develop the role by employing systematic processes that seek to understand the issues, priorities, challenges and rewards that characterise the role. The interim research report is downloadable from the section to the right of this page.
An exciting collaboration between Somerset Arts Promoters and Somerset’s Early Years professionals. The pilot research project took place in four ‘hubs’ between February and March 2008. These were:
This was the centrepiece of a first phase exploring ways of working creatively in the Early Years and was central in informing future Early Years work in the county. All the learning was evaluated by Dr Susan Young of the University of Exeter and you can find a copy of the report in the downloads section to the right.
Zest was an action research project which demonstrated the fact that quality of creativity is enhanced when young children have access to a wide range of materials. This also applies when children are given the responsibility to explore, discover and be creative and are supported by an interested and talented practitioner who can scaffold their learning experiences.
The whole project was evaluated by Dr Susan Young of the University of Exeter and Dr Kerry Chappell and you can view it in the downloads section to the right.
"Children have enjoyed and looked forward to their dance project. It has encouraged them to use their bodies in different ways, and has given some children more confidence. [it has] given the staff new ideas to put into planning."
Chard Children’s Centre
10 Apr 2012
This May, as part of the Somerset Light Waves project, Take Art and three leading Somerset theatre venues are inviting the youngest audiences in Somerset to enter the Lightstream and take part in an interactive and colorful light-inspired performance and installation.
06 Feb 2012
Take Art in association with Farnham Maltings and Arts Partnership Surrey are delighted to announce SPROUT, a new £30,000 commission to create a touring play designed for the under 5s.
05 Oct 2011
Come and see the early year's Light Touch Exhibition at the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton, showcasing some beautiful work created by local children and families.
22 Sep 2011
Richard Tomlinson will be at Shepton Digi Fest on October 6th, running an exciting digital visual arts workshop based on his ground breaking work with the Little Big Bang early years project.
30 Jun 2011
Tuesday 19 July, 12.30 - 1.15pm in the Activities Room at Hillside Children’s Centre
18 May 2011
Take Art and the Brewhouse are working together to exhibit the creative talents of some of Somerset’s youngest artists.
16 Apr 2011
This is the poem written by our documenting performance poet Liv Torc, inspired by The Bigger Bang Symposium and The Little Big Bang project. It was written in a few hours at The Bigger Bang on April 9 and performed at the end of the day in front of a very appreciative audience.
13 Apr 2011
Saturday 9 April was a major marker for the Little Big Bang project. With only six months to go, it was a chance to reflect and re-imagine...
07 Apr 2011
Take Art are delighted to announce that Bernadette Duffy OBE will be the Key Note speaker at their Early Years Symposium on Saturday.
25 Jun 2010
Monday 7 June to Friday 25 June, 2010. This June, the KinderGardens international theatre festival aimed at 2-6 year olds and their families is bringing one of five exciting early-years theatre shows to 14 rural villages, children centres and arts venues throughout Somerset.