Local Cultural Education Partnerships (LCEPs) are collaborative initiatives designed to enhance cultural education for children and young people in specific localities across the English regions.
These partnerships bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including cultural organisations, educational institutions, local authorities and community groups to create a more cohesive and accessible cultural education offer.
How Curious Minds supports LCEPs
Curious Minds have been developing and supporting LCEPs across the North West since 2015. As a catalyst for change, we provide a connecting and supporting role for LCEPs in the North of England, with particular focus on the North West and Yorkshire and Humber. We create a newsletter which showcases stories from LCEPs and place-based partnerships and shares useful resources. We convene LCEP chairs and coordinators to come together quarterly, virtually or in person, and advocate for place-based networks.In April 2024, Curious Minds hosted 41 LCEP chairs, coordinators and partners for a day of discussions, presentations and advocacy at HOME, Manchester. Young arts ambassadors from SPARK Wakefield shared their experiences of working with cultural venues to improve the visitor experience for young people.
It was great to have the opportunity to come together in-person and talk about where everyone is within their partnerships, and the main themes that each partnership is grappling with.
A really well facilitated day, open, supportive, which fostered plenty of sharing, learning and inspiration.
Key Features of LCEPs:
- Place-Based Approach: LCEPs are tailored to the unique needs and interests of their local communities, ensuring that cultural education is relevant and impactful.
- Collaborative Efforts: They involve a wide range of partners from various sectors, including arts, education, heritage, health and youth services, working together to share resources and expertise.
- High-quality Cultural Experiences: The goal is to provide children and young people with opportunities to engage in high-quality cultural and creative activities where they live, go to school and spend their free time.
- Support and Development: LCEPs often include professional development for educators and cultural practitioners to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Case Studies
Since September 2023, Curious Minds has been creating a termly newsletter to highlight stories from across the Northern LCEP landscape. Initially themed around topics including Diversity and Inclusion and Children and young people's Voice, the newsletters have featured case studies of the huge variety of work being undertaken by partnerships, in order to support best practice and inspire other LCEPs.Just click on the topic areas below to view the case studies and find out more.
Finding your local LCEP
LCEPs exist right across England. Because they respond closely to local need, each LCEP has a unique structure, set of priorities and way of working.Not all LCEPs have a web presence but we have gathered together a list of the those in the North of England that do:
Alternatively, you can find details of LCEPs nationally:
