These FAQs are for artists, creative practitioners, schools, education professionals, arts organisations and community partners who would like to learn more about LEAN and its work in Lewisham. Here you can find information about LEAN’s activities, membership options, events, newsletters and opportunities to collaborate with us.
1. What is LEAN?
LEAN stands for Lewisham Education Arts Network. We are a small, independent arts education charity that works to strengthen arts and cultural opportunities for children and young people across the London Borough of Lewisham.
2. What does LEAN do?
LEAN connects Lewisham schools, artists, creative practitioners, arts organisations and community partners, helping them share knowledge, develop partnerships and create more opportunities for young people to take part in arts and culture.
We promote local opportunities, support partnerships, organise networking and training events, and help schools and organisations connect with suitable creative practitioners.
3. Who does LEAN work with?
LEAN works with freelance and self-employed artists working in participatory arts, creative practitioners working in arts education, arts and cultural organisations, community organisations, teachers, youth workers, early-years professionals and support staff in schools and colleges.
4. Is LEAN’s work mainly based in Lewisham?
LEAN’s work is focused on the London Borough of Lewisham. We support schools, practitioners, arts organisations and other Lewisham based organisations, although we may also work with partners from outside the borough when relevant.
5. Is LEAN a registered charity?
LEAN is a registered charity – number: 1119396.
You can find further information about LEAN’s governance, charitable purpose and organisational structure HERE.
6. How is LEAN funded?
LEAN receives around a third of its funding from Lewisham Council and raises the remainder through grants from trusts and foundations and through some income generation from fees and donations.
7. How can I donate to LEAN?
Find out more about how you can donate to help LEAN carry out its work HERE
8. How can I join LEAN to become part of the network? Is it free?
We have four different types of membership. They are; Freelancer Forum, Cultural Connectors, Arts Partners and General Membership. Each membership has a small charge except for the basic General Membership which is free.
9. What is Freelancer Forum, who is it for, and how much does it cost?
The Freelancer Forum network is for freelance artists, creative practitioners and arts professionals who work with children and young people through participatory arts, or who would like to work with schools, young people and cultural organisations in Lewisham.
Annual membership costs £20, or £15 at the concession rate for people receiving benefits. Members can also choose to be included in LEAN’s freelancer skills database, which helps LEAN recommend practitioners with relevant skills and experience to schools and youth organisations.
Find out more and become a Freelancer Forum member here: [sign up here].
10. What is Cultural Connectors, who is it for, and how much does it cost?
Cultural Connectors is a network for teachers and staff in schools, early years settings, colleges and other educational organisations in Lewisham who work with children and young people up to the age of 19, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Each organisation can nominate one or more staff members to act as Cultural Connectors. It’s free to register and receive our regular newsletters although there may be a charge for attendance at some events.
Find out more and register as a Cultural Connector here: [sign up here].
11. What is Arts Partners membership, who is it for, and how much does it cost?
Arts Partners membership is for arts, cultural and community organisations that work with, or would like to provide opportunities for, children and young people in Lewisham.
Membership fees start from £40 and vary depending on the size of the organisation.
Find out more and become an Arts Partner here: [sign up here].
12. What is General Membership for, and how much does it cost?
General Membership is for arts professionals with an interest in working with children and young people in Lewisham. It is free to join.
Find out more and become a General Member here: [sign up here].
13. Is there a fee to attend LEAN events?
Some LEAN events are free, while others may charge a small fee. Members may receive free or discounted access to selected events and training. Please check the event details for the latest information.
14. What are LEAN’s newsletters about?
LEAN’s newsletters provide regular updates on arts and cultural news, events and opportunities for schools, organisations, freelancers and creative practitioners in Lewisham.
15. Can LEAN promote my event?
If you are an artist or creative practitioner working with young people, or an arts organisation based in or working in Lewisham, please join the relevant LEAN network and contact us by email or through our social media channels. We may be able to share suitable events and opportunities through our digital channels and newsletters.
16. Where can I find upcoming LEAN events, training and opportunities?
LEAN posts all events, training and opportunities on our website homepage and in members’ newsletters. Event listings include the latest dates, locations, costs and booking information.
17. Can LEAN help my school find an artist or creative organisation?
LEAN is developing a skills database of artists and creative freelancers who have experience of working with schools and educational settings in Lewisham. We have a network of arts organisations who regularly partner with schools on creative opportunities.
18. How can I collaborate with LEAN or propose a project?
In the first instance, if you would like to schedule a conversation to discuss your ideas and project, please contact Director of LEAN Sharon Trotter: sharon@leanarts.org.uk
