Where are we now? Where to from here? Exploring the national & local landscape for arts & cultural education.
Posted: 19/02/2026
Over 50 members attended for LEAN’s annual Conference/AGM at the Blue Garage (close to Lewisham Shopping Centre).
Topics featured included how we can enrich SEND provision, putting young people at the heart of youth provision, fundraising for projects focused on young people, and the Curriculum Review – What will it mean for Lewisham schools?
Date: 11th February 2026
Time: 4.30pm – 7.45pm
Location: Blue Garage, 30 Engate Street, Lewisham, SE13 7HA
Keynote speakers were:
Councillor Sakina Sheikh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Sport
Maria Turley, formerly at ACE, now Venture Partner at Purposeful Ventures looking at new strategies and reports – A National Picture
Anthony Doudle, Head of Lewisham Learning, reflecting on Lewisham Cultural Education Partnership and the Cultural Pledge – Where are We Now?
Breakout sessions included:
Lewisham’s Youth Services Team on their new neighbourhood delivery structure and strategy for youth voice and participation.
How the new curriculum review effects enrichment and the arts.
Catherine Evans, Peoplescape Theatre and Kirsty Purnell, Trinity Laban: Enriching SEND provision through dance & drama; explore strategies for inclusion in a wider context of both SEND and mainstream settings
There will be lots of opportunities for networking and sharing collaborative opportunities and celebrating 25 years of LEAN!
Sandra Ross was unable to deliver her session on Effective Fundraising for Schools so this will now take place online at 4.30pm on Monday 23 February,
Sandra’s presentation notes can be viewed here Fundraising workshop Sandra Ross Feb 2026
Copies of the other slide presentations can be downloaded below. Full minutes will be sent out shortly.
Anthony Doudle LEAN 2026 AGM Key Note
Enriching SEND through Drama & Dance
Anthony Powell AGM 2026 Lewisham Youth Offer LEAN
