Black Country art teachers’ work recognised in Westminster

The work of secondary art teachers and their students across the Black Country has been recognised in Westminster following a presentation by Arts Connect, part of the University of Wolverhampton, to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Art, Craft and Education.

Becky Thompson, Education Producer at Arts Connect, was invited to the Houses of Parliament to speak about the organisation’s innovative Contemporary Art in the Classroom (CAIC) programme. Her presentation celebrated the work of 165 teachers and more than 3,600 students from across the Black Country.

Becky outlined Arts Connect’s continuing professional development and learning (CPDL) offer for secondary school teachers, with a particular focus on CAIC. Members of the APPG were keen to hear about Arts Connect’s strong partnerships with local artists and galleries, and how the programme supports teachers exploring real-world issues through contemporary art in the classroom.

The presentation highlighted how Arts Connect’s approach differs from more traditional models of art teacher education in the UK. Central to this is the use of contemporary art and an emphasis on empowering teachers to lead their own research and development, resulting in new classroom practices and curriculum approaches.

Becky shared examples of the impact this work has had on young people, including sharper critical thinking skills, increased confidence and joy in art, improved communication and language skills, and a stronger sense of pride in place and belonging within their local communities.

The event was attended by teachers, Members of Parliament and the House of Lords, as well as representatives from the National Education Union, Culture Commons and AccessArt. The meeting was chaired by Lord Horton.

Arts Connect is a Centre for Cultural Education based in the West Midlands and is part of the School of Creative Industries at the University of Wolverhampton.

Speaking after the event, Becky Thompson said:

“It was an amazing experience to talk about our teacher CPDL programmes at Westminster and to share the impact we’re seeing across the Black Country.

“The discussion really underlined how important it is that teachers are given the space, resources and trust to reflect on their practice and take the lead in their own professional development in ways that work for them and their students.

“It was also fantastic to connect with such passionate arts educators and advocates from across the sector.”