Our development work
with schools
Introduction
Artsmark is committed to developing and improving the Artsmark programme in response to the needs of schools and teachers. Our research and development work looks at how we can broaden our reach and improve equity of access for children and young people, as well as share inspiring and effective practice.
The aim of our development work is to:
Develop the reach of Artsmark to more settings, particularly those facing disadvantage and work to remove barriers to engagement.
Develop new ways of supporting schools and improving the Artsmark journey so schools have a better and more impactful Artsmark experience.
Develop innovative practice against the Artsmark framework and share best practice.
Take a look at some of our current and recent projects. To get involved in any development work or to discuss any ideas you may have on how we can develop and improve Artsmark, please contact Artsmark@artscouncil.org.uk
Artsmark Place Projects
Between Jan 2023 and Dec 2025 we worked in partnership with a school, 5 LCEPs (local cultural education partnerships) and 3 cultural organisations in nine ‘priority places’ across England. We funded the organisations to develop and deliver action research projects with schools in their area, responding to local, place-based need. We wanted to understand how engagement with the Artsmark framework could be used by non-Artsmark schools to develop their cultural learning offer. We were particularly interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities for SEND schools and schools that were rurally isolated. What support did schools need to engage with the framework? How did it help empower and build capacity in schools to develop their cultural learning offer? How can Artsmark work with local, place-based infrastructure and partners to support schools?
We commissioned The Audience Agency to collate research findings across all nine projects. Findings from this project will be shared early in 2026. Information from individual projects will be available through case studies and links to partner organisations.
Strategic Lead Partners in place
Curious Minds – Copeland
The Forge – County Durham
Fusion LCEP – Barnsley
Captivate LCEP – Ashfield
Platform 31 – Bolsover
Inspiring Futures – Barking & Dagenham, London
Eastside Education Trust – Newham
Wix & Wrabness Primary School – Tendring
Creative Island – Isle of Wight
Creative Health & Wellbeing – the #BeeWell project
From September 2023 to July 2025 we partnered with Curious Minds to deliver a creative wellbeing programme in 5 schools in Rochdale, Wigan, Wythenshawe and Bolton. The project responded to data gathered by #BeeWell which highlighted the health and wellbeing needs of secondary age pupils at school and neighbourhood level. This provided an opportunity for Curious Minds and Artsmark to work collaboratively. We wanted test ways in which creative interventions could address health and wellbeing needs of young people, whilst also being relevant to the Artsmark framework and supporting an Artsmark journey. We know arts and creative activity helps young people’s mental health and wellbeing but we wanted to see models of working in action. Each school approached the brief differently, putting young people in the driving seat in deciding what they wanted and commissioning artists. Falinge Park opened a wellbeing garden, xxx did xxx as and all completed their Artsmark journeys with xxx and xxx awards.
Check out Curious Minds’ website with more information about the project.