We’re thrilled to announce that C Change, Arts Council England’s Creativity Collaborative in the North West, has been awarded the top prize in the prestigious Creativity in Schools Award from the Global Institute of Creative Thinking! This international recognition celebrates the inspiring work of the Changemakers Project, an innovative program where students are empowered as “agents of change” in their communities through creativity, sustainability, and climate action.
The Changemakers Project focuses on embedding Creative Habits of Mind into learning, providing students with essential skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking to tackle pressing sustainability issues. Working with Chester Zoo, the project has given students hands-on opportunities to create and share their knowledge in impactful ways. During Chester Zoo Takeover Days, for example, students become "zoo rangers for a day," presenting conservation topics to the public and sharing their vision for a sustainable future. This direct engagement with real-world issues has ignited student passion and deepened their understanding of global responsibility.
C Change’s commitment to empowering students through creativity and climate action is further illustrated through COP-style events where students present their ideas to the community, as well as sustainable art exhibitions and green careers fairs. These experiences give young people a platform to showcase their learning, driving home the importance of their voices in the global conversation on sustainability. As one student expressed, “Some people think we can’t do anything because we are children. But we can. We can make a difference.”
Reflecting on the award, C Change shared this statement with us: "C Change are delighted to have been awarded the ‘Creative Thinking in Education for Climate Action Award’ from the Global Institute of Creative Thinking. We are passionate about creativity and sustainability and are proud of the great work that is happening across our schools. Our partnership with Chester Zoo has been a core part of this as we work together to prevent extinction, and it’s fantastic to have what we do recognised internationally."