The arts charity Art Fund and the social innovation agency Nesta have teamed up for their first collaborative effort to create a two-year research and development program focused on preschool children.
The initiative, named Mini Wonders – the Early Years Innovation in Museums, aims to enhance the work of UK museums and galleries that support families and the early experiences of young children. This program has received joint funding of £1 million from Art Fund, with a legacy grant from the Foyle Foundation, and Nesta.
Last summer, Art Fund partnered with several institutions, including the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums in Newcastle, and the Whitworth in Manchester. Together, they provided activities for over 60 families.
After an open application process, eight museums and galleries from across the UK were selected to help develop a prototype scheme designed to unlock the social value of cultural spaces for families. These selected institutions will receive grants to pilot the program, utilizing their museum spaces and collections.
This initiative is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. It aims to embed creativity and learning into children’s formative experiences while supporting parents in their children’s social and emotional development. The goal is to gather solid evidence during the research and development phase, allowing the program to expand across the UK. Each participating museum will be able to adapt the content to fit their unique community needs.
Jenny Waldman, director of Art Fund, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This exciting project combines the skills and expertise of Art Fund and Nesta, along with eight museums and galleries across the UK. It is designed to harness their amazing spaces and collections to break down barriers to opportunity. Together, we will create a way of working that will have a real impact where it’s most needed. Foundational experiences in early years are crucial for giving the next generation the skills to thrive.”
Ravi Gurumurthy, chief executive of Nesta, emphasized the importance of early childhood development, saying, “The environment and experiences of early childhood shape our brains and bodies, laying the foundation for our physical, emotional, and cognitive skills. However, not every child receives what they need to develop during these critical years. This program will combine expertise in child development, learning, and creativity, leveraging the unique potential of museum collections and spaces to support parents and young children in their learning and development.”
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