For Art Educators

Art in schools is in crisis. It’s a sad truth that the UK school curriculum has been re-structured to focus on ‘core subjects’ and tests at the expense of everything else. It’s a tragedy that this is happening simultaneously alongside a youth mental health crisis and the takeover of technology - a time when quality Art education for young people is more crucial than ever before. Art teaches children to question, it builds confidence and self-esteem, it encourages them to see the world differently and to use their voices. It celebrates difference. However, it is crucial that Art education is delivered in such a way that does these things - that children are encouraged to experiment, and are not simple taught to copy things and tick boxes. There must be freedom within the projects delivered and scope for each child to respond in their own way. I know that it takes time to plan these sorts of projects, so my hope is that creatED can help support Art teachers by providing them with quality plans and resources in order that they can place their time, energy and expertise into meaningful delivery and interaction with their students.