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| Bizet: Carmen – Norfolk Into Opera Festival 2023 (Photo: Richard Hubert Smith) |
As Norfolk’s primary schools grapple with an escalating crisis in arts education funding, Anguish’s Educational Foundation and Into Opera are inviting local stakeholders, educators, philanthropists, trusts, foundations, and advocates for creative learning to a pivotal event in Norwich on Friday 23 May 2025 at The Auditorium in the Forum, Norwich to explore solutions and drive meaningful change to protect music and the arts in schools.
Named after Thomas Anguish, a Mayor of Norwich who lived between 1536 and 1617, Anguish’s Educational Foundation is one of the 4 Registered Charities in the Norwich Charitable Trusts group of Charities. The Charity makes grants to individuals and to other charities for educational purposes. Into Opera has been awarded a grant by Anguish’s Educational Foundation to partner with three local primary schools: The Bawburgh School, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, and Sprowston Junior School, with further support from Durham University and the team behind Arts Council England’s “Durham Commission on Creativity and Education”.
However, with tightening budgets and shifting priorities, the significant impact witnessed in these schools calls into question how we, as a community, can continue to nurture creativity amid dwindling financial support. This event on Friday 23 May is designed to spark a vigorous dialogue on these pressing issues and chart a collaborative path forward. Attendees will hear directly from the pupils whose lives have been transformed, as well as educators, head teachers, and representatives from Durham University, Into Opera, and Anguish’s Educational Foundation.
“This gathering challenges us to confront the stark decline in funding for creative arts support and explore transformative solutions to safeguard the future of our children’s creative and cultural development.” David Hynes, CEO Norwich Charitable Trusts
For additional information or to register your attendance, please contact: Genevieve Raghu genevieve.raghu@into-opera.org.uk
