A panel which will oversee the development of a new plan to
improve cultural education for young people has been brought
together by the government.
The panel is made up of 22 experts and includes teachers,
education leaders, and representatives from the performing arts,
museums, heritage and youth sectors and creative industries.
They have been selected to advise the government on the
development of the plan which will articulate and highlight the
importance of high-quality cultural education in schools. It will
also promote the value of cultural and creative education,
outline and support career progression pathways, address skills
gaps and tackle disparities in opportunity and outcome by
ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background,
can access high-quality cultural education.
The panel will be chaired
by , who has extensive expertise
in the arts, as a performer in the Royal Ballet, within creative
leadership at the Royal Opera House and in governance roles on
the boards of the South Bank Centre and Arts Council England.
It also includes important figures from across these sectors such
as Sir Hamid Patel, Chief Executive, Star Academies as vice-chair
education and Lizzie Crump, UK Strategic Lead, What Next?, as
vice-chair culture.
The development of the plan will be informed by extensive
engagement with children and young people, teachers, school
leaders and professionals in the cultural, creative, education
and youth sectors.
Since the announcement of the
chair, the government is undertaking a series of around 50
listening exercises, working with organisations including the
Confederation of School Trusts, Royal Shakespeare Company,
National Youth Agency, Creative UK, the Royal Society of Arts,
and the Arts Council England’s Youth Advisory Board.
Schools Minister said:
It is important that schools provide an extensive knowledge-rich
curriculum that includes the arts, music and heritage.
The cultural education plan will help pupils instil a love and
interest in culture throughout their education, along with
guidance for those who wish to pursue creative and cultural
industry careers.
The panel brings extensive knowledge and experience in these
industries, and I look forward to seeing it play a pivotal role
in the development of this plan.
Arts and Heritage Minister said:
Cultural education is a vital part of children’s learning and
development. It opens their eyes to the life-enhancing benefits
that culture and creativity bring. It also helps to nurture the
next generation of talent to pursue careers in the arts and
creative industries – enriching the lives of us all.
We have been gathering the views of people from across the
cultural and educational sector, and I have had the pleasure of
joining a number of the listening exercises already held. This
panel of experts, chaired by , will help us bring forward
an ambitious plan to provide creative opportunities for all
children and young people, and support our vision to maximise the
potential of our creative industries. I look forward to working
closely with the panel in this important work.
said:
High quality cultural education is a vital component of a
well-rounded education, equipping young people to enjoy and
participate in arts and culture and supporting their personal and
social development in ways that will sustain them as individuals,
into the workplace and throughout their lives.
Recognising the many stakeholders that contribute to cultural
education in, around and beyond schools, the panel brings
together expert voices and perspectives from education and the
cultural sector across the country. I look forward to working
with them to ensure the government’s Cultural Education Plan
amplifies, extends and equalises cultural education, experiences
and opportunities for all children and young people, whatever
their background and wherever they live.
