The Classroom of Creativity

The project enables a shared and collaborative learning forum. The collective aim is to embed creativity into the curriculum, whether that be at school, home, or at the Arts Centre.

We're thrilled to announce that after a successful first year, our brilliant partner schools Holbrooks Primary, Templars Primary and Southfields Primary School are all joining us for a second year. This year the project is led by two fantastic Artists Naoibh McNamee and Sam Strachan.

Sam Strachan

Sam Strachan is a theatre-maker and songwriter based in Birmingham, UK. With a background in SEN and the mental health sector, Sam puts children’s choices and voices at the centre of his practice. 

He works playfully, often without speaking, and has been trained in clowning by Angela de Castro, full-mask theatre by Vamos, and accessible nonverbal practice by Open Theatre.

Naoibh McNamee

Ranging from performance pieces and installations to stand-alone sculptural works, Naoibh McNamee’s camp and colourful practice invites the viewer to enter new worlds that transcend and subvert heteronormative and neurotypical societal expectations. 

Naoibh creates work from queer and disabled perspectives, particularly exploring gender non-conformity, family heritage, and queerness through the lens of autism.

Working on this year-long project enables us to track the impact of creativity across an extended period. Throughout the year, we will host a series of workshops and gallery visits at the Mead Gallery and at their schools. The Classroom Of Creativity aims to improve the artistic, personal and social development of these fantastic young people.