CreateNorwich
The CreateNorwich project invited Year 12 students from a range of schools and colleges across the city to imagine, research and present their ideas for the future of the city.
It included cross sector engagement with businesses, organisations and professional people, working alongside young people to explore future possibilities together.
Essentially a visioning project, it was initiated and funded by The Norwich Freemen’s Charity. The project lasted one academic year and culminated in the WeCreateNorwich public exhibition.
CLIENT: NORWICH FREEMENS CHARITY
PROJECT: PROJECT MANAGEMENT, FUTURE THINKING, SKILLS & IDEA DEVELOPMENT AND PRESENTATION
FIELD: EDUCATION, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYABILITY
Creative Nation was appointed to project manage the project. Experimental from the outset, nobody had attempted such a project in the city before. So, we had the opportunity to create something truly unique.
We took the initial idea from the funders and produced the project end to end. Beginning with designing the look and feel, strategizing and structuring the project, through recruiting , resourcing and producing specialist materials, events and the final exhibition.
The projects objectives were:
- For students to engage in extraordinary learning experiences around the real world of work, including sector engagements
- For students to gain skills in team working, problem solving, project management, research and presentation
- That students be supported to develop an idea, explore their interests and reflect upon their development
- For the project to create a legacy and provide students the opportunity to contribute to thinking about the city’s future.
We designed the project to span three key stages:
Imagine- During the autumn term in 2018, student groups in each school began to work on their big ideas. These spanned many disciplines, themes and areas of civic life, including sustainable living, food, transport, fostering communities, crime, social responsibility and the built environment.
Research- In the spring term the students began conducting programmes of research activity. Their research included visits to schools by experts, controversialists and commentators, field trips to institutes, centres of excellence, workshops and studios.
Present- In the summer term, the worked with technical and creative professionals to develop a presentation of their ideas. Students presented their ideas over a 2-day public exhibition at The Forum in Norwich.
Watch our project showreel and some films from participants below.
The students ideas spanned:
- sustainable food production and creating sustainable communities
- developing a kind and accessible city
- destination architecture and creating new spaces
- future transport.
The different methods of presentation worked to produce a multi-sensory exhibition, using VR, 3D models, film and objects. 7 schools and 61 students presented at the final exhibition. 7000 people visited over the two days, including the exhibition and our close event.
85% of participants said their teamwork skills improved as a result of taking part.
73% of participants said their self-confidence had improved whilst taking part in the project.
Two of the schools have had their ideas funded to take them forward.
“A fascinating project, BEAUTIFULLY presented” An exhibition guest.
“Amazing young people who are erudite and passionate about their projects. Beautifully presented, friendly staff and edible insects!” An exhibition guest.
