About the Training Observatory
Background
Research by PAL on a programme for a Lab of Learning focusing on working in volatile and challenging contexts for artists and teachers, had been initiated and the subsequent Volatile and Challenging (V&C) Lab which took place in two parts in February and June 2005 was a new strand within its programme of Labs of Learning.
The Volatile and Challenging (V&C) Lab set out to complement this work by offering professional development to the teachers and artists who work in this specialist sector. It highlighted, and to a degree addressed, a gap in training for artists and teachers working in volatile and challenging contexts.
PAL was aware that it was operating in a field in which other organisations, in particular the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the Hamlyn Foundation, Arts Council England and Creative Partnerships, had already funded a great deal of work bringing artists into schools and other education centres.
The Training Observatory evolved out a training colloquium held by PAL at Bore Place in June 2006, working with a select group of key training providers and representatives from key agencies involved in CPD and training across current national programmes, to explore key issues in an informal, experiential and creative context. The Training Observatory has subsequently been jointly developed by PAL Labs of Learning and Angus McLewin Associates (AMA), with funding from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Creative Partnerships.