The first gathering of the National Creative Learning Network (NCLN) took place in Gateshead/Newcastle on 12 and 13 September 2011. A group of  21 Creative Learning Networks (CLN) coordinators and partners from across Scotland met for two days of sharing, networking and inspiration.

The focus of our meeting was to look at networks: What makes a network work? How do you know? How can a network have an impact? What works well? What doesn’t?

Initially the group met with Creative Partnerships leaders from the North East to hear about their work and how networks have developed in the region, their own resulting in the Creative Exchange event. We heard how Argyll & Bute, East Dunbartonshire and Edinburgh are developing their Creative Learning Networks, which provided the stimulus for discussion around the CLN programme, covering issues such as engaging participants; timescales; supporting arts practitioners; working with schools, developing a shared language and  understanding of creativity  and how the NCLN can best impact on creative practice in Scotland. At the end of the day, we met Katherine Zeserson, Director of Learning and Participation at the Sage, Gateshead to learn about the region’s Bridge Programme, which aims to create a coherent and focused arts and culture offer for young people.

On Tuesday, the group attended Creative Exchange – Arts, Culture and Learning, at the Sage, Gateshead, which celebrated the arts and learning partnerships carried out through the North East’s Creative Partnership programmes. This event presented a great opportunity for sharing practice, meeting new contacts and professional dialogue around the power of creativity across learning.