The arts play an important role in enriching young people’s learning and educational experiences. Exposure to the arts can unlock potential in young people, helping them to develop skills in communication, collaboration, creativity and problem solving. In addition to the enjoyment and enrichment the arts bring, arts education can increase young people’s engagement in school and learning, and support key educational outcomes. For many young people, particularly those experiencing the most disadvantage, the only opportunity to gain access to arts education is at school.

Where good practice exists in schools, colleges and the arts organisations that work with them, the benefits for young people are significant. This is where we focus our grant-making and learning.

There is an appetite for collaboration between teachers and arts organisations, and for them to explore and improve their practice and the outcomes for young people. We are particularly interested in supporting such partnerships. We also respond to teachers’ interest in having more opportunities to develop their skills and professional practice in teaching through the arts, and in understanding their pivotal role in creating and delivering an arts-rich curriculum and school environment.