What could the future of arts in schools look like?- Sam Matthews and Carys Barnes from the Artis Foundation – (Keynote Speech)
Summary of Keynote
- Overview of current challenges in arts education, referencing the Arts in Schools 2023 report.
- Importance of arts education for children and young people.
- Benefits of nurturing creativity: critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence.
- Predictions for future trends in arts education, including curriculum shifts.
- Emphasis on collaboration between educators, artists, and policymakers.
- Role of technology and innovation in enhancing arts learning experiences.
- Call for supportive policies: increased funding, curriculum reforms, educator training.
About the speakers
Sam Mathews – Director
I’ve always loved the arts and been involved in the theatre throughout my career. Working at various venues and working closely with education teams has fired my desire to ensure that as many children as possible get to enjoy the arts and enjoy both the arts and learning. The concentration and amazement on the children’s faces while taking part in sessions with an Artis specialist reminds you of the impact that the arts can have on children’s early experiences and memories. My role here enables more children to experience the arts and be introduced to such an engaging and exciting environment from an early age.
Carys Barnes – Partnerships Manager
“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso
The arts offer a unique space for a child’s creativity and self-expression to shine. I feel extremely lucky to have parents who made sure I had as many artistic experiences as possible; from learning to play the clarinet to visiting art exhibitions and performing in local youth theatre. This early appreciation for the arts led me to read History of Art at the Courtauld Institute of Art and study Education in Arts and Cultural Settings (MA) at King’s College London.
However, not everyone has that opportunity. My passion in life is about making the arts accessible to everyone, and school is the perfect environment to make that happen. As Partnerships Manager, my role is about ensuring the Artis Foundation can continue giving more children opportunities to build confidence, have magical learning experiences, and engage with the curriculum in a creative way. I do this by building our network of partner schools, funders, supporters and cultural partnerships.
Get in touch if you’d like to discuss ways in which you can partner with Artis.
Artis Foundation
Artis creates spaces for creative learning, nurturing creativity in every child. We are a joyful onomatopoeic charity with a superpower that connects buzzing creativity across the entire primary curriculum, so that children can unleash their full potential and bloom.
Webiste: https://www.artisfoundation.org.uk/
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