Sector warns of impending ‘arts apocalypse’ in education system

A coalition of 14 organizations and artists from various sectors have come together to sound the alarm on the deteriorating state of arts education in schools and colleges. In a joint statement, the group, which includes the National Education Union and Musicians’ Union, has declared that the erosion of arts across the curriculum has reached a critical point, dubbing it an “arts apocalypse.”

Recent data shows a concerning decline in exam entries for creative arts subjects, with the smallest-ever share of total GCSE exam entries recorded last year. Despite promises from the government, the Cultural Education Plan has yet to be published, leaving the arts education sector in limbo.

The coalition’s statement highlights the deepening crisis in schools, calling for urgent action to address the systemic issues plaguing arts education. They emphasize the importance of arts education in building a modern education system and urge politicians to prioritize the arts in their policies.

Among the proposed solutions are increased funding for arts education, recruitment of more arts teachers, and a comprehensive review of the curriculum and assessment methods. The coalition’s efforts have garnered support from various organizations, including Access Art, Equity, and One Dance UK.

Chris Waters, MU National Organiser for Education, Health, and Wellbeing, stressed the importance of universal access to music education and the need to support the next generation of musicians. The coalition’s united front aims to amplify the voices advocating for a revitalization of arts education in schools and communities.