The third Expressive Arts Conversation Day took place in the Insight Institute, Strathclyde University. The main aim of the day was to explore the current national position with regard to developing practitioner confidence and capacity in relation to expressive arts. Delegates attended representing a range of stakeholder groups such as Teacher Education Institutes, Local Authorities, Arts Partners, teachers, and students.

The day got off to a flying start with three very inspiring and provocative talks. Charlie Byrne (Stratchclyde University) discussed the role creativity plays within an Expressive Arts Curriculum. Anne Valyo(Aberdeen University) highlighted the benefits and challenges of establishing partnerships which are sustainable. Fiona MacGregor(Glasgow University) spoke about recognising and nurturing talent in learners.

The speaker inputs stimulated table conversations where issues were teased out and discussed. The outputs from these conversations provided the basis for a session on future planning. Aims were established from earlier table conversations, and through using future planning tools, actions were agreed.

The Fridays, a band of young musicians from Hazelwood school provided music over lunch. Their infectious enthusiasm for performing, talent and wide ranging set list had something for everyone and provided a real high point of the day.

The afternoon session focussed on the ‘Creative Space,’ where young people lead their learning in the Expressive Arts. An example of this in action was given by Wilma Eaton(Strathclyde University) who, along with students from Strathclyde university, explained an initiative they had undertaken with a primary school in Glasgow. Ron Cowie, Senior Education Officer, Education Scotland, then guided the delegates through a draft proposal of what the conditions required to make a creative space might look like.

The ‘Creative Space’ model along with outputs from the day will be shared early in the New Year.