Schools, cultural organisations and creative partners from across Knowsley came together last week to launch the borough’s new Cultural Education Network, a key part of the ambitious This Place, This Stage programme that is transforming cultural opportunities for children and young people.
The network brings together education, culture and community partners around a shared vision: ensuring every child and young person in Knowsley has access to high-quality, inspiring cultural experiences that nurture creativity, confidence and aspiration.
The launch on Wednesday 14 October also marked the introduction of The Moon on a Stick, Knowsley’s new three-year Cultural Education Strategy. Developed through the Cultural Education Network and in collaboration with Cultural Democracy, the strategy sets out a bold ambition to strengthen connections between schools and the cultural sector, creating more opportunities for young people to experience, create and shape culture throughout their education and beyond.
The name Moon on a Stick was inspired by the words of a local teacher, who spoke about the importance of having the highest possible aspirations for every child, encouraging them to reach for the stars and believe that anything is possible.
The Cultural Education Network forms part of This Place, This Stage, a three-year programme supported by Arts Council England that is putting children and young people at the heart of Knowsley’s cultural future.
Delivered by Adlib, Heart of Glass, Kirkby Gallery, Knowsley Council, Make CIC and Shakespeare North Playhouse, the programme is creating new opportunities for young people to explore their creativity, develop new skills and find pathways into the creative and cultural industries.
Running from 2025 to 2028, This Place, This Stage focuses on three connected strands: Making and Performing, Producing and Programming, and Learning and Pathways.
The new Cultural Education Network sits within the Learning and Pathways strand, alongside initiatives including Adlib Industry Days, the Young Creatives Network and a range of training, development and mentoring opportunities. Together, these initiatives are helping young people better understand the opportunities available within the creative sector and build the skills, confidence and connections needed to pursue them.
Cllr Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said:
“Every child and young person in Knowsley deserves the opportunity to discover their talents, explore their creativity and develop the confidence to follow their ambitions. The launch of the Cultural Education Network and our new Moon on a Stick strategy demonstrates our commitment to making those opportunities available to all. By bringing together schools, cultural organisations and community partners, we’re creating stronger pathways that will help young people realise their potential and shape the future of our borough.”
Lisa Allen, Chief Executive of Shakespeare North Playhouse
“This Place, This Stage is built on the belief that culture should be accessible, relevant and inspiring for every young person. The Cultural Education Network creates an exciting framework for organisations to work together more closely, sharing expertise and opening doors to new experiences. We’re proud to be part of a partnership that is helping young people see creativity not just as something they enjoy, but as something that can play a meaningful role in their future.”
Lynsey Sullivan, Founder of Cultural Democracy
“Moon on a Stick reflects the bold aspirations that Knowsley has for its children and young people. What is particularly exciting about this strategy is that it has been shaped through collaboration and centres the voices, experiences and ambitions of young people themselves. By connecting education and culture in a more coordinated way, the Cultural Education Network has the potential to create lasting change and ensure that every young person can access high-quality cultural opportunities throughout their journey.”
The network will provide a platform for schools, colleges, cultural organisations, artists and creative industry partners to work more closely together, share expertise and develop new opportunities for children and young people across the borough.
By strengthening these partnerships, the network aims to create clearer and more joined-up creative journeys for young people, helping them move from initial engagement with arts and culture into sustained participation, leadership opportunities and, ultimately, creative careers.
Throughout This Place, This Stage, young people will play a central role in shaping activity, influencing decisions and helping evaluate the programme, ensuring it reflects their ideas, ambitions and lived experiences.
The launch of the Cultural Education Network represents another important milestone in the programme’s vision to build a younger, more diverse and more ambitious cultural landscape in Knowsley, where every child and young person has the opportunity to realise their creative potential.
See a selection of images from the event below
