Leaders warn arts education is at a ‘turning point’ as government urged to act

The letter claims that arts education in state schools is “approaching a turning point” as the nation waits to hear the findings of the curriculum and assessment review’s interim report. 

The review’s call for evidence has closed, with the feedback received set to help panellists overseeing the review, chaired by Becky Francis of the Education Endowment Foundation, to make their recommendations.

But according to the plea made by the letter writers, action must be decisive in order to undo the “untold damage” the arts and creative subjects have suffered in recent years.

Signatories including chief executive of Opera Holland Park, James Clutton, told the Times that “since 2010, creative subjects have been disappearing from state schools, making access to art, dance, design, drama and music education the preserve of the wealthy”.

They wrote: “The previous government’s EBacc and Progress 8 policies have done untold damage to our children and their life chances. Creative subjects develop life skills, boost confidence and support mental well-being. They also underpin the talent pipeline for our creative industries, which contribute £126 billion to the economy.”

Arlene Phillips, who signed it, is one industry notable to be vocal on the subject in recent months, joining the Arts and Minds campaign to put creativity “at the heart of the curriculum”.

Other luminaries backing the letter include chief executive of Brixton House, Delia Barker, and chief executive of the Association of British Orchestras, Judith Webster.

It is not clear when the interim report by the curriculum and assessment review will be published, although the government previously suggested it would be sometime early this year.