Contents |
MakeBelieve Arts is a theatre and education company and social enterprise based in Deptford, London.[1] The company uses theatre techniques within education to deliver creative, interactive workshops that reflect, support and enhance the curriculum, whilst encouraging lifelong learning in the 21st century.[2] Working with children aged 2–15, their teachers, families and community, MakeBelieve Arts' entire approach is underpinned by current educational philosophy.[2]
Creativity is central to MakeBelieve Arts' work.[3] Leading education expert, Sir Ken Robinson (British author), contends that '...creativity is as important to education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status.'[4] MakeBelieve Arts has embedded this philosophy into each aspect of its work. For example, the Creative Approaches to Mathematics programme enables pupils to engage with mathematics as a creative process through interactivity and storytelling.[5] As opposed to learning mathematics through traditional methods, MakeBelieve Arts uses a creative approach to make maths accessible and encourage a lifelong love of learning.[5].
MakeBelieve Arts is a Social enterprise[6]; it is not core funded and thus derives funded from a variety of sources. Any profits are reinvested into the company.[7].
Trisha Lee (founder and Artistic Director) was a Cabinet-Appointed Social Enterprise Ambassador from mid-2007 to mid-2010.[7]. With 28 other leading social entrepreneurs in the country, Trisha Lee sought ot raise awareness about social enterprise and encourage other arts organisations to think creatively and become social enterprises.[8].
Social Enterprise Education is increasingly important in the current economic and political climate. A creative approach to enterprise and education allows children and young people to develop into enterprising adults with more job prospects in the future.[2]. Trisha Lee stated in The Times that,
MakeBelieve Arts was founded by Trisha Lee in 2002.[9] As Artistic Director, Lee is supported by 4 core staff and a pool of Creative Associates and Consultants, including David BairdDavid B, who deliver the creative programmes in schools and the community.