Tackling diversity in children's arts: what we've learned in a year

A man in a wheelchair performing for a group of young children
18 Jul 2019

Tara Lopez identifies three key themes that have emerged so far from the four-year Vital Spark initiative.

'They let us pick any artist in the world': the freedom to create relatable theatre

Photo of Japanese artists Chim↑Pom
18 Jul 2019

The Contact Young Curators programme gave Wez Thistlethwaite the opportunity to re-engage his creative muscles by co-curating a world premiere at this year’s Manchester International Festival.

Austerity is undermining children’s access to culture, finds research

A photo of a boy holding a tablet
12 Jul 2019

An LSE researcher said children’s development is being thwarted by Government policy, but argued the situation could be improved if recent welfare cuts were reversed.

Government should fund young creatives to build diversity, says report

Photo of a musician
05 Jul 2019

Many BAME young people interviewed felt that “drama and acting was more for white people and that music was more for Black people”.

Four ways the Durham Commission can create a lasting legacy

Photo of a group of children wearing headset, interacting with a book
04 Jul 2019

As the Commission gets ready to publish its recommendations on creativity and education, Joe Hallgarten puts forward four ideas he'd like to see included.

Watchdog questions trustworthiness of DfE statistics

A close up of a person's hand playing the guitar
07 Jun 2019

The UK Statistics Authority has called for greater clarity in the way the Department presents statistics, after investigating concerns raised by ArtsProfessional and others.

Standing out from the crowd

Photo of a silhouette of an audience facing a red stage curtain
06 Jun 2019

Many young people dream about breaking into the performing arts industry, but without some work experience it can be almost impossible. Ruby Clarkson offers some guidance on how to find it.

Giving youth a voice

Photo of a group of young people
06 Jun 2019

Engaging with young people is a sound investment in future audiences, says Annabel Thomas - provided you are clear about why and how you are doing it.

Children from deprived areas shut out of music qualifications

A man sitting at a computer
31 May 2019

Research finds that “large geographical areas are completely without music provision at A level”.

No let-up in arts A level decline

31 May 2019

Early figures suggest that the trend away from studying some arts subjects at GCSE may be bottoming out, but A level entries continue to fall away across all disciplines.

Russell Group scraps A Level subject guidance

24 May 2019

The move by the elite university group has led to renewed calls to reconsider the controversial EBacc performance measure.

Join the club

Photo of Manchester Collective filming in a derelict room in Hull
23 May 2019

Adam Szabo shares seven principles that have helped Manchester Collective attract younger audiences to its classical concerts.

Access to entry-level roles

Photo of Cultural Ambition Project in Wales
23 May 2019

Many entry-level roles in the arts are taken by overqualified graduates, but a project in Wales is opening up opportunities to those most suited to them, says Sarah Mair Hughes.

Change education policy to save arts in schools, say MPs

A photo of school pupils playing wind instruments
17 May 2019

A new report demands a “clear explanation” from DCMS and the Department for Education on why they have dismissed evidence about the declining provision and take-up of creative subjects.

Dancing to a new tune

Photo of Young people, Protein Dance artists and teachers from Bishopton Pupil Referral Unit at ARC, Stockton-on-Tees
15 May 2019

A programme in Stockton-on-Tees has helped young people excluded from mainstream schools learn new skills, develop self-worth and show others what they can achieve, writes Rachele Rapisardi.

Time to walk the talk

Photo of Julian Mitchell leading a coding activity at Raynham Primary School in London
02 May 2019

Frustrated with the decline of arts and creative subjects in schools, Nick Corston gave up his day job to form a not-for-profit enterprise that connects children with art in their community.

The arts in a backpack

Photo of a blue backpack
23 Apr 2019

An Action for Children’s Arts study recommends that every child at primary school should have five quality arts experiences in the school year. Chris Jarvis explains how the Arts Backpack project is working to make this a reality.

4 in 10 arts workers who leave sector cite caring responsibilities

12 Apr 2019

Researchers say parents and carers are being “pushed out” of arts careers due to low wages and a lack of job security.

Making the tea or changing the game?

Photo of The Audience Agency's intern, Massimo Finistrella, and participants in the Connect pilot programme
11 Apr 2019

Anne Torreggiani explains why participating in an EU-funded Erasmus programme has prompted her to re-evaluate the ability of interns to act as a source of new ideas and fresh thinking.

Finding a voice

Photo of ORA Singers in rehearsal for one of their new commissions
11 Apr 2019

As composition becomes increasingly sidelined in school music, Natalie Watson discusses a mentoring scheme providing professional support to promising students.

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