Tackling Britain’s Arts Crisis: The initiative from Sky Arts that’s making a difference

Recent findings from the Campaign for the Arts and the University of Warwick’s latest report, State of the Arts, highlight a concerning decline in the UK’s investment in the cultural sector, positioning it as one of the lowest among European nations.

This decrease in funding has had a significant impact on schools, where budget cuts have led to a substantial decline in participation in the arts. For example, the number of arts teachers in English state-funded secondary schools has fallen by 27%, from 55,000 in 2011 to 40,000 in 2024. Additionally, GCSE and A-level entries in arts subjects have plummeted by 47% and 29%, respectively, since 2010.* This decline has profound implications for young people’s development.

And it’s something I feel particularly passionate about having studied Art throughout college and university. In an era dominated by technology, it is important to not lose sight of the value arts and creativity brings to young people’s lives. The Arts are more than just subjects; they afford students the opportunity to develop vital skills such as self-expression, emotional processing, and provide a creative outlet.

It also provides a unique medium for self-expression. In a world where young people often struggle to find their voice, art is a powerful language. Whether through painting, drawing, sculpture, or digital media, children and teenagers can communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas without the constraints of verbal language – allowing them to process and manage those emotions.

Qualitative research with children found that those who engaged with art therapy were perceived as happier, more settled, calmer, having fewer behavioural outbursts, more confident, and engaging better with school work.** As educators, parents, and community members, it is our responsibility to ensure that art remains an integral part of youth education, empowering the next generation to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and creativity.  

And that’s exactly what ‘Access All Arts’ aims to address. The free Sky Arts initiative – run with We Are Futures, aims to spark and celebrate creativity among primary school children across the UK and Ireland. Since its launch in 2022, it has engaged over 630,000 young people, providing them with access to a whole host of diverse artistic experiences, encouraging them to explore their creativity and unleash their inner artist.

Together with Sky Arts, we are creating a movement that inspires the youngest generation to be art enthusiasts, leaving a lasting legacy for young people and positively changing perceptions of Sky Arts. Pupils can explore eleven art forms through over 100 hours of resources, including over 80 artist videos, each curated with deep knowledge from education experts and key arts organisation partners. Whether accessed through music, acting, painting, writing, or dance, they are expanding their horizons, tapping into emotions, and experiencing what the world has to offer.

It is vital that we continue to advocate for increased support and investment in the arts, recognising its indispensable role in shaping a well-rounded, creative, and resilient next generation.

*Campaign for the Arts and The University of Warwick (2024) The State of The Arts  

Available from: https://www.campaignforthearts.org/reports/the-state-of-the-arts/

** Deboys et al., 2017; McDonald et al., 2019; McDonald & Holttum, 2020