Why is arts education important?
Involvement with the arts has a dramatic and lasting effect on young people. Arts education is a critical part of the Department’s work.

Arts education, both in and out of formal education, has been shown to stimulate pupils’ imagination and motivate their interest in learning, which helps to raise attainment levels overall.

Arts education can also stimulate a life long love of the arts and encourage young people to pursue creative careers, all of which maintain the UK’s position as a creative hotspot. 

DCMS arts education initiatives
Artsmark: the national award that rewards schools who show a commitment to all the arts.  More on Artsmark...

Creative Partnerships: bringing school children and their teachers together with creative organisations and individuals to work in partnership on creative projects.  More on Creative Partnerships...

Music Manifesto: bringing together a range of partners to work towards improving music education for all young people.  More on Music Manifesto...

Youth Music: funding and facilitating music making opportunities for young people across England.  More on Youth Music...

Space for Sport and Arts: over 269 sports and arts facilities have been set up or renovated.  More on Space for Sports and Arts...

Arts Award: the first award and accredited qualification for development in the arts.  More on Arts Awards...

Sector Skills Council: the Creative & Cultural Industries Sector Skills Council ensures that the creative workforce has the skills they need. Visit the  Creative & Cultural Industries Sector Skills Council website

DCMS priorities for arts education
We co-ordinate closely with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), Arts Council England and other partners to achieve the following priorities:

• Ensure that everyone, whatever their background, gets the chance to experience and participate in the arts for the first time, both in and outside of school 
• Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to deepen their interest and develop their talent in the arts to the full, to a level that suits them both in and outside of school 
• Ensure that our most talented young artists have access to the very best tuition and support they need to fulfil their potential
• Promote a skilled workforce in the arts sector, including a world class arts education workforce