Cultural Ambassadors

Shape has launched a new Cultural Ambassador scheme for teachers, educators and community leaders who want to support increased opportunities for children and young people to access and engage in creativity.  

Can you be a Cultural Ambassador? 

If you're interested in developing culture and creativity within the life of your school, nursery or youth project, we need you! You don't have to be an art lead, just have an interest in creative activities. 

What do the Cultural Ambassadors do? 

• They are the named contact in their school for cultural opportunities and share information with their colleagues.  They support cultural practitioners and creative partners into schools/settings. 

• Have access to funding information and projects to get involved in through emails from Shape. 

• They can influence planning around cultural issues and help shape the future for children and young people's engagement in creativity.  

• They use the Shape website to share their news and ideas, they support other Cultural Ambassadors, sharing good practice. 

Having links with artists supports the children in many areas of their learning and development. 

It encourages creativity and imagination, as artists can inspire young children to think creatively and express themselves through various art forms. Learning art techniques and creating something unique can boost a child's confidence. Being able to showcase their work to others and receiving feedback helps build self-esteem and pride in their achievements. I have certainly seen this in the sessions, with the children leaving with beaming smiles and parents commenting on their artwork. The project has also allowed the children to enhance their social skills through the nature of the activities offered, working in teams and sharing ideas/skills when working on their piece of art.  

Ultimately, a connection with artists enriches the primary school experience, making learning more engaging, holistic, and fun. It supports academic and personal development in ways that go beyond traditional classroom subjects. 

Kelly Stott, Cultural Ambassador at Parkhead Community Primary School 

What is the value of being a Cultural Ambassador? 

• Personal and career development. 

• The opportunity and time to become more involved with culture and creativity. 

• The support of a network of other ambassadors and committed professionals from partner orgnaisations. 

•  Enriched local knowledge of culture and creative opportunities. 

• Skill development opportunities to benefit teaching practice. 

• Cultural Ambassadors will receive regular relevant information and emails with 'special offers' for example free or reduced price tickets, trips, lectures, events, good news, opportunities for your school/setting etc.  

• They also receive invitations to attend (or nominate other members of staff) to attend.  

Become a Cultural Ambassador

To join or find out more about our Gateshead Cultural Ambassador scheme email colleendewing@gateshead.gov.uk