Creativity

Putting our Public Purposes into action: Stimulating creativity and cultural excellence

What does this mean?

The BBC tries to support creative industries, talent and culture in the UK – both by covering arts and culture through a wide range of broadcast and online content, and by making cultural activities accessible to people from all backgrounds. Many of our initiatives are developed to encourage audiences to get involved and explore their own creativity.

Through outreach projects, we try to introduce new audiences to existing cultural events and develop new ones.

How do we do it?

CBBC's Horrible Histories Four Georges perform on from of a live orchestra.

The hit CBBC series, Horrible Histories, took to the stage this summer, giving young families the chance to experience the wonders of classical music through the eyes of Horrible Histories. The Free Family Prom took place at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC's traditional series of classical music performances.

The prom was a chance for children to broaden their horizons, learn more about classical music and sing along with some favourite tunes from the TV. Combining humour, history and great musical talent, the performance was a cultural feast! Anyone who has split their sides laughing at the show had the chance to see the cast perform some of its most popular songs, ranging from the Savage Stone Age to the Vile Victorians.

CBBC's Horrible Histories Vikings perform on from of a live orchestra.

Backed by children's choirs and the Aurora Orchestra, audiences were treated to music by Mozart, Lully, and Handel, with performances by some of the show's favourite characters - including Henry VIII, Cleopatra and Georges I, II, III and IV.

People with hearing difficulties were also able to enjoy the festivities with the Prom being signed by Dr Paul Whittaker, Artistic Director of Music and the Deaf.

Horrible Histories is based on the best-selling books by Terry Dean and Martin Brown.

Experience CBBC's Horrible Histories at bbc.co.uk/cbbc/horrible-histories or read more about the Prom at bbc.co.uk/proms/whats-on/2011

BBC Poetry Season

Visit the BBC’s Poetry website for advice on writing and performing poetry, interviews with W.H Auden and Seamus Heaney, and Book at Bedtime videos by Jarvis Cocker and Basement Jaxx.

Find out more here

Script to Screen

Script to Screen gave 9-11 year olds a chance to write their own Doctor Who mini-adventure earlier this year. The lucky winners of the competition travelled to BBC studios to see their vision brought to life by the cast. Their show was broadcast on BBC Three’s Doctor Who Confidential with a special introduction from the Doctor himself!