Creative Partnerships

An ambitious creative and cultural exchange visit for young people from Bristol to travel to China this autumn is being planned by Creative Partnerships with the help of the Regional Language Network South West. The teenage group will visit Guangzhou, Bristol’s twin town in China, and Beijing, to work primarily on film and photography with fellow Chinese students and artists.

Creative Partnerships is a Government flagship creativity programme that embraces schools, teachers and the cultural and creative sectors to nurture and support a form of creative learning tailored to the individual needs and develop the aspirations of young people.

The programme, which is managed by Arts Council England, has been running since 2002 and the Bristol area office is one of four in the South West and 36 in the UK. In Bristol and the South West, there is an additional focus on international activities in support of diversity, global citizenship and the need for the voice of young people to be heard in relation to cultural changes happening around them.

Amanda Colbourne, programme manager at Creative Partnerships in Bristol explained: “The idea is that young “cultural leaders” from the city should get to know young Chinese people through a shared opportunity for a collaborative experience. We hope that their joint efforts will form part of the “China Now” festival in 2008.

“I know that some knowledge of Mandarin Chinese and an awareness of Chinese cultural customs are key to success in developing good relations both before and during the trip. The RLN SW has provided me with many useful contacts and the cultural advice will help immensely, right down to teaching the kids what to expect when they eat and drink during their travels in the country.”

Documents, business cards and a glossary of relevant terms were translated in preparation for Amanda’s visit to China in April to set it all up. A Chinese student fluent in English, has been taken on to help answer Chinese enquiries, talk on the phone, translate in-house materials, advise on cultural matters and help attract sponsorship from Chinese companies for the students’ visit.

Rosie Gilmour, RLN SW business advisor for the West of England said: “Amanda’s enthusiasm and understanding of the importance of language and cultural considerations in planning the Creative Partnerships travel and arts programme in China will undoubtedly contribute to its success and the enjoyment of all those taking part.”

Creative Partnerships is funded by the Department for Education and Skills and the Department of Culture, Media and Sports. This visit to China supports Bristol’s twinning links with Guangzhou and those being developed due to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the South West’s role in the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

Visit the Creative Partnerships website at www.creative-partnerships.com.

Back to index - all case studies