How arts and cultural organisations can work with schools

How arts and cultural organisations can work with schools

By The Audience Agency

SUMMARY

A report exploring how arts and cultural organisations can work with schools. It focuses on:
  • the type and nature of work taking place;
  • key criteria for schools in working with arts organisations;
  • art form priorities and provision for schools;
  • communication between arts organisations and schools;
  • the challenges and barriers facing schools in accessing provision;
  • funding, spend and value for money.
The Working with Schools research project aimed to inform the development of future programmes of work and this report makes suggestions for possible developments. These are presented in the wider context, drawing on findings and recommendations as set out in relevant regional and national documents.

Responding arts and cultural organisations commonly engage with schools through delivering work in their venues (74%). Delivering workshops in schools is a common engagement tool for 57%, and schools visiting to see shows or exhibitions is common engagement for 65% of these organisations. This suggests significant schools provision across all three types of engagement.

There were some interesting differences between art form in responses to this question. Notably, more responding theatre, music and combined arts organisations commonly deliver work in schools than visual arts organisations and museums.

Resource type: Research | Published: 2013