Play is Powerful: Salford Cultural Education Partnership launches strategy

The strategy was launched today (Friday 13 June) at Walk The Plank, Salford.

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor said:

“The Play is Powerful strategy gives us a clear and inclusive framework for ensuring every young person, no matter their background, can access the transformative power of the arts. It reflects our values as a council and as a city that puts people first.

“I am also encouraged by the Government’s timely ‘Everything to Play For’ report this week and its emphasis on cross-sector collaboration and the integration of play into planning, education, and health.”

The strategy also introduces a new structure for the Cultural Education Partnership, including a youth co-chair on the central steering group and working groups aligned to every stage of a young person’s journey.

Cllr Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sport & Leisure said:

“The Play is Powerful strategy has been rooted in a child-centred, creative and strategic consultation process that includes the voices of teachers, children, youth workers, artists and city leaders running through its core. I can’t wait to get to work, embedding it into the fabric of Salford to ensure that our city is a playful and creative place for all children and young people.”

The UK Government’s ‘Everything to Play For: A Plan to Ensure Every Child in England Can Play’ report also launched this week, demonstrating Salford is toe-to-toe with the national agenda, along with being fully committed to working towards UNICEF Child Friendly City status.

Naomi Lewis, Chair of Salford CEP, and Head of Salford Museums & Galleries said:

“Salford CEP commissioned this strategic review to enable the partnership to take a step back from project delivery and consider its future role in the cultural landscape of the city. This report and strategic plan will now serve as a roadmap for continuing to build a youth- led, inclusive, and sustainable cultural sector”

Salford’s Play is Powerful strategy contributes directly to the city’s ongoing ambition to become a UNICEF Child Friendly City, making creativity and play a fundamental part of life for all children and young people in Salford.