MakeBelieve Arts

The Organisation

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]

Educational Philosophy

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].

Social Enterprise

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

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,

We aim to give the children life-long skills. The capacity to analyse, discuss and communicate. It is recognised that creativity is really important for employers in the 21st century. Once they have acquired the skills to ask questions and think outside of the box then they can do anything.^[2].

The Team

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.

References

1. ^ Barbara Eifler (ed), 'Rehearsal Rooms: A place to call home', The Stage, London, pp. 28-29, 07.10.10
2. ^ ^{a b c d} The Times Online, http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/related_reports/social_entrepreneurs/article6389902.ece, 2009
3. ^ LONSAS, http://www.lonsas.org.uk/arts_directory_detail.aspx?OrganisationID=371, 2010
4. ^ Good Reads, http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/43940.Ken_Robinson, 2010
5. ^ ^{a b} Social Enterprise Magazine, http://www.socialenterpriselive.com/your-news/creative-maths-comes-schools-thanks-co-op-fund, 2010
6. ^ Social Enteprise Coalition, http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/pages/about-social-enterprise.html, 2010
7. ^ ^{a b} Social Enterprise Ambassadors, http://socialenterpriseambassadors.org.uk/ambassador/trisha-lee, 2010
8. ^ Social Enterprise Ambassadors, http://socialenterpriseambassadors.org.uk/about-us, 2010
9. ^ MakeBelieve Arts, http://www.makebelievearts.co.uk/Information/About+Us, 2010