What is Artsmark?
Artsmark is the national award that rewards schools that show a commitment to all the arts – art and design, music, dance and drama.
The scheme is run by Arts Council England.

Why apply?
An Artsmark award celebrates the efforts of teachers and pupils; helping to develop the arts within the school.

Feedback from Artsmark schools shows that they find the process worthwhile and it promotes a real sense of pride in teachers’ and pupil achievements.

An Artsmark also helps raise the profile of the school in local communities, which can help develop new partnerships and leverage sponsors.

How to apply and contact the Artsmark team
Application forms can be found on the Artsmark website. There are separate forms for primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and pupil referral units.

It’s important to download the correct form for your school, and for the year in which you apply. The annual deadline for Artsmark applications is always in November.

For help and information, visit the Artsmark website, contact the Artsmark helpline on 0800 0560 196 or contact via email.

Key Artsmark facts

• Artsmark has been a great success – between 2001 and 2006 over 3,067 schools, 13 per cent of all schools in England, were awarded an Artsmark.
• The scheme is open on a voluntary basis to all schools in England.
• As well as DCMS and Arts Council England, Artsmark is supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and the Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED)

More about the arts
Visit the Arts Council England website for more information about the arts in England.