Celebrating a New Chapter in Cultural Exchange: Arts Council England Award Supports Exciting Project Between Nottingham and The Gambia

We are thrilled to announce that our new cultural exchange project between young children in Nottingham, UK, and The Gambia has received a prestigious award from Arts Council England. This funding will support a new and exciting initiative that brings together the cultures of The Gambia and the UK through a series of creative workshops, training sessions, and the development of innovative teaching and learning resources.

Connecting Cultures Through Creativity

This project marks a significant milestone in our mission to nurture cultural understanding and creativity in young minds. Starting in selected Nottingham schools, the project will offer a rich variety of workshops that will engage children in rhythm and singing, dance, storytelling, and visual arts. These sessions are not just about fun and artistic expression—they are designed to open doors to new cultures, languages, and ways of thinking.

Pa Bobo Jobarteh, a renowned Gambian kora harpist, and Sidiki Dembele, a master Ivorian percussionist, will be among the international artists leading workshops and training sessions for teaching staff. Their involvement will provide an authentic and immersive experience for children and staff, allowing them to connect with African music and traditions directly from the source. Additionally, our very own Artistic Director of BeatFeet, Jude, will be traveling to The Gambia to collaborate with local musicians and visual artists, ensuring a truly reciprocal exchange of ideas and creativity.

The Power of Arts in Child Development

Participating in arts activities offers immense benefits for young children. Creative workshops are not only a way to have fun; they also play a crucial role in cognitive and emotional development. Through rhythm and singing, children improve their listening skills and coordination. Dance workshops enhance physical fitness and motor skills, while storytelling and visual arts sessions stimulate imagination and critical thinking.

Moreover, these workshops provide a unique opportunity for children to learn about other cultures in an engaging and interactive way. By experiencing the arts of another culture firsthand, children can develop empathy, respect, and a broader worldview—qualities that are essential in our increasingly interconnected world.

The Importance of Learning Languages

A key focus of our project is the promotion of language learning, particularly heritage languages from around the world. Learning a new language, especially one connected to a child’s cultural heritage, is a powerful tool for preserving identity and fostering pride in one’s roots. In the context of this project, children will have the chance to hear and learn phrases in Gambian languages, gaining insights into the linguistic diversity that enriches our global community.

Languages are more than just a means of communication; they are carriers of culture, history, and tradition. By introducing children to different languages at an early age, we are helping to cultivate a generation that values and preserves the linguistic heritage of their own communities and those around the world.

Empowering Educators with New Resources

The second phase of our project will focus on equipping teaching staff with the tools they need to continue this cultural exchange in their classrooms. We will be providing training sessions that introduce a new set of teaching and learning resources, developed with the expertise and collaboration of educators and artists from both the UK and The Gambia. These resources will be available for free, ensuring that the benefits of this project can be extended to as many schools as possible.

A special thank you goes out to the staff at Afrikaya Nursery School in The Gambia, whose invaluable input and participation have been instrumental in developing these resources. Their collaboration has ensured that the materials are culturally relevant, engaging, and accessible for teachers and students alike.

Looking Forward

This cultural exchange project is more than just a series of workshops; it’s a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the power of education to bridge cultural divides. We are incredibly excited to see the positive impact it will have on the young children involved, both in Nottingham and The Gambia.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Arts Council England for their generous support, and to all the artists, educators, and partners who are helping to bring this vision to life. Together, we are creating a brighter, more inclusive future—one where creativity knows no borders, and where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with the world around them.

All images below credited to Emma Ford Photography)

Children taking part in BeatFeet cultural exchange project in Nottingham (Emma Ford Photography)

Dance Artist, Itara Mason, leading dance workshops in Nottingham

BeatFeet Artistic Director, Jude, leading a rhythm workshop in Nottingham

Joyful music-making in Nottingham with BeatFeet Drumming Workshops.

Large puppets bringing joy in BeatFeet’s project in Nottingham.

Two of the project’s six artists, Itara and Jude.