Cambridge Curiosity and Imagination

Cambridge Curiosity and Imagination (CCI) is an innovative and socially-engaged arts and well-being charity working with skilled artists. They lead creative learning programmes focused on connecting to the world on our doorsteps.

Curiosity, landscape, imagination, creativity, childhood, wildness - the organisation's passions and values could hardly be more important or inspiring right now. Every one of its projects makes me see things strangely again, tips a little more wonder back into the world.
Robert Macfarlane, writer and CCI Patron

Their current portfolio includes: an AHRC funded research programme with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) exploring eco-capabilities; and the University of Cambridge’s ArtScapers, an art-in-education programme with primary schools.  Targeting communities often not included in arts programmes has led to critical partnerships, including with Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC), University of Cambridge (UofC), Norfolk & Norwich Festival Bridge (NNF), & many schools. Our practice is interdisciplinary & cross-sector (health, environment, education, culture) enabling children & adults alongside them to respond in original & impactful ways & resonating with many research areas (community cohesion, outdoor learning, risk-taking, arts & health).

CCI’s work celebrates the imaginative lives of young people, and steps fully into those lives and listens. It is patient, gentle and infinitely respectful of those inner worlds that the larger world treats with such disdain.
Rob Hopkins, founder of the Transition movement and author of What if?

Over a 3-year period, our programmes have worked with 4,000 people; engaged with 121,000 online; involved 26 artists including Jackie Kay, Jo Shapcott & Robert Macfarlane & shared with over million at exhibitions.

The CCI website hosts freely accessible films, publications & research.

Creative Care Invitations
Free to download resources for all ages. Supporting curiosity and imagination in lockdown.

Poems for our NHS
Taking Note poets share messages of support for Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Free wild exchange games
A collection of free games for creative adventurers of any age to play anywhere.