Warrington Museum has recently unveiled a new family-friendly attraction that aims to inspire curiosity and creativity in young people. The former Wren Gallery has been transformed into the ‘Creativity Cove,’ a free interactive space where children can play and explore.
The project, spearheaded by Laura Mercer and Sophie New from Culture Warrington, has received support from the charity behind Warrington Museum, as well as Warrington Arts Festival and Parr Hall. The goal of the Creativity Cove is to provide a community spot where children can let their imaginations run wild in one of the oldest museums in the country, while parents can relax and enjoy the experience.
The space itself is designed to capture the imagination of young visitors and provide them with a unique opportunity to engage with the museum’s treasures. Sophie New expressed the inspiration behind the project, stating, “The museum itself is a treasure trove of trinkets and thrilling objects just waiting to be discovered. So that inspired us to create this opportunity for tiny minds to be tantalized.”
One of the key features of the Creativity Cove is the ability for kids to curate their own exhibition using frames that open up. This allows them to display their own artworks using crayons and paper or arrange magnets to create imaginative portraits. Additionally, the space includes a plinth for creating Duplo or Stickle Brick sculptures, adding a touch of creativity to the experience.
Children can also engage in hands-on activities such as creating mini museum masterpieces using Duplo or Stickle Bricks, as well as exploring a range of books, board games, and puzzles. The space even includes a blackboard where visitors can leave messages for others and offers interactive prompts for wellness and self-expression.
The response to the Creativity Cove has been overwhelmingly positive, prompting its establishment as a permanent addition to the venue. It will now serve as the new home for the museum’s popular Crafternoons on Saturdays, as well as school holiday crafts on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Laura Mercer emphasized the importance of creating a space that ignites curiosity and creativity, especially in light of the impact of lockdown on early years. She stated, “Lockdown had a huge impact on early years in terms of a lack of social interaction, a decrease in creative activities, and an increase of screen time. Therefore, we wanted to create a space that ignites curiosity and creativity.”
With a focus on early years and providing a safe interactive space for children to enjoy, the Creativity Cove offers adults the opportunity to take a moment for themselves while knowing that their children are entertained in a stimulating environment.
Enhancing Family Experiences
The launch of the Creativity Cove alongside this year’s Warrington Arts Festival has added a new dimension to family experiences at the museum. The interactive nature of the space allows children to engage with the exhibits in a hands-on way, fostering a deeper appreciation for art and history.
Visitors have praised the initiative for providing a space where children can unleash their creativity and explore their interests freely. By offering a mix of activities and resources, the Creativity Cove caters to a wide range of ages and interests, making it a popular choice for families looking to spend quality time together.
Community Support and Engagement
The success of the Creativity Cove can be attributed to the support and engagement of the local community. Donations of books and resources from community members have enriched the space and enhanced the experience for visitors.
The involvement of Culture Warrington, Warrington Arts Festival, and Parr Hall highlights the collaborative effort to create a space that benefits the community as a whole. By working together, these organizations have been able to bring a unique and engaging experience to families in the area.
Looking to the Future
As the Creativity Cove becomes a permanent fixture at Warrington Museum, there are plans to continue expanding and enhancing the space. With a focus on early years and providing interactive experiences for children, the museum is committed to fostering creativity and curiosity in young visitors.
The success of the project has demonstrated the value of creating family-friendly spaces within cultural institutions. By offering opportunities for children to engage with art, history, and creativity in a hands-on way, museums can play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of learners and innovators.
In conclusion, the launch of the Creativity Cove at Warrington Museum represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and engaging environment for families. By providing a space where children can explore, create, and imagine, the museum is helping to foster a love of learning and discovery in young visitors. The positive response to the initiative underscores the importance of investing in family-friendly spaces within cultural institutions to ensure that they remain relevant and accessible to all members of the community.