A message from Drew Rowlands

Chair of Trustees at We Are IVE

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I am writing to you to announce that We Are IVE will be closing its doors from the end of July 2025. Whilst sad, I am also immensely proud of our work and the impact it has had on young peoples' lives, as well those involved in learning and education over the past 28 years.

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I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Board, to thank our funders, partners and clients who have supported us on our journey and believed, as we do, in the importance of creativity in the successful development of young people.

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I would also like to thank the staff team for their passion, tenacity and drive in endeavouring to make our mission a reality. It is heartening to know that you will all be moving on, many continuing to 'fly the flag' for the principles and values that our founding CEO, Pat Cochrane established, which have underpinned CapeUK/IVE for almost 3 decades.

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Creativity is an essential human capacity, contributing to all aspects of our daily lives and which underpins our ability to learn, solve problems and imagine futures. Through our research, projects and deliverable programmes, we have been able to share this belief with many thousands of people both here and around the world. Whilst this organisation might be closing, my sincere belief is that the impacts of our work will live on in the work of those we have influenced.

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We are ensuring that a legacy of our work is available. Please watch this space.

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On a personal note, the work of CapeUK hugely influenced my leadership of teaching and learning across several schools and Local Authorities when I was a school leader. As an employee, I spent 7 years as a member of a dynamic team as we evolved into IVE, and I have spent the last 5 years as both an associate and then Board member. I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed every single moment!