The imagination generation
Once there was a golden age of childhood. Children would spend their days in fields with nothing more than their imagination for company. From fairy tales to epic battles; a world of wonder awaited and children of a certain generation were able to go wherever they liked. Sadly those days are gone - or are they?
According to a recent survey by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, 40% of parents believe their children are more creative than they ever were. Far from being artistically stunted by modern life, the Playstation generation spend their time drawing or painting pictures (82%), making up their own dances (58%) or turning their attention to make believe (57%).
However, the credit for this does not lie with TV and computer games. Nearly three quarters of parents strongly identify the importance of a fertile imagination in a child’s development. As a result almost two thirds of parents encourage their child to be more creative and imaginative.
81% of parents believe taking their kids to a variety of places or playing with children of their own age (74%) will help stimulate children’s imagination but the greatest escape from reality remains a constant – the book. A resounding 83% of parents read to their children as they feel it is the best way to get those creative juices following.
In order to keep children entertained over the half term and encourage their active imaginations, NewcastleGateshead Initiative presents The Juice Festival – an initiative running from Thursday 22nd of October to Sunday 8th November with over 40 events and hands-on workshops dedicated to the celebration of creativity amongst children and young people.
Rachel Adam, artistic director of Juice Festival, says: “Juice Festival is all about encouraging and celebrating the creativity of children and young people. I’m delighted to see from the research that so many parents agree that encouraging a child’s imagination is important for their future years, not just as they join school and begin their academic learning, but also for their overall happiness and sense of self.
“All the events in Juice Festival involve some form of creative expression and involvement; be it dance, reading, performance or sport. Juice also gives parents and children opportunities to take part in creative activities together, and that shared experience is really important in increasing everyone’s confidence and enjoyment.”
For more information visit juicefestival.co.uk.
