Where are we now? National & local landscape in arts & cultural education

Where are we now ? Where to from here? Exploring the national & local landscape for arts & cultural education

You are invited to join us for LEAN's annual Conference/AGM at the Blue Garage (close to Lewisham Shopping Centre).
Topics featured include how we can enrich SEND provision, putting young people at the heart of youth provision, fundraising for projects focused on young people, and the Curriculum Review – What will it mean for Lewisham schools?

Date: 11th February 2026
Time: 4.30pm - 7.45pm
Location: Blue Garage, 30 Engate Street, Lewisham, SE13 7HA

Keynote speakers include:

• Lewisham's Councillor Sheikh, Cabinet Member for Culture, speaking on the value of arts and culture in Lewisham
• Maria Turley, formerly at ACE, now Venture Partner at Purposeful Ventures looking at new strategies and reports – A National Picture
• Anthony Doudle, Head of Lewisham Learning, reflecting on Lewisham Cultural Education Partnership and the Cultural Pledge - Where are We Now?

Breakout sessions include:

• Lewisham’s Youth Services Team on their new neighbourhood delivery structure and strategy for youth voice and participation.
• How the new curriculum review effects enrichment and the arts.
• Effective ways to fundraise for school projects.
• Enriching SEND provision through dance & drama: Explore strategies for inclusion in a wider context of both SEND and mainstream settings. A practical session drawing on the legacy and resources of the Moving Stories Project 2023-25 Facilitators : Catherine Evans, drama artist, Peoplescape Theatre and practicing speech & language therapist Kirsty Purnell, dance artist, Trinity Laban.

There will be lots of opportunities for networking and sharing collaborative opportunities and celebrating 25 years of LEAN!

Agenda for the evening:

4.30-5pm Registration, refreshments and networking

5-5.30pm LEAN AGM

5.30-6.00pm Keynote speakers

6.05-6.50pm Workshops

7.00-7.15pm Workshop sharing

7.15-7.45pm Drinks and networking

7.45pm Conference ends

You are welcome to join the conference at any point in the evening up to 6.00pm.

Cancellation Policy

This conference is free to attend. With further pressure on resources, we have to make sure events are as full as possible and resources well utilised. Please let us know as soon as you can if you book a ticket but can then no longer attend. Thank you.

If you have any queries or access requirements, please contact julia@leanarts.org.uk

GDPR Notice: By registering for this event, you consent to your registration details being shared with the event partner, Blue Garage.

About Blue Garage

Blue Garage is a new home for inventors, makers, designers and founders in South East London. If you’re working solo or growing a small team, they have monthly rolling memberships that make it easy to get started. Everything you need to design, prototype and build is right here under one roof, from tools and technology to collaborative space and expert guidance.

At BLUE GARAGE, you can:

• Work from flexible studios, dedicated desks or coworking spaces
• Build your ideas in cutting-edge labs and workshops
• Learn new skills through community programmes and hands-on support
• Shape your idea with fabrication help from the BLUE FACTORY team
• Join a thriving community of people turning ideas into real products

Ways to find out more about them:
www.bluegarage.orghello@bluegarage.org