This open letter signed by over 720 arts and education leaders calls for government to keep its promises on arts education and use the opportunity of the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) to put arts subjects back at the heart of the curriculum.
The letter was coordinated by the Independent Society of Musicians:
Full text
Arts education in state schools is approaching a turning point as we await the interim report of the Curriculum and Assessment Review. Since 2010 creative subjects have been disappearing from state schools, making access to art, dance, design, drama and music education the preserve of the wealthy.
The previous government’s EBacc and Progress 8 policies have done untold damage to our children and their life chances. Creative subjects develop life skills, boost confidence and support mental wellbeing. They also underpin the talent pipeline for our creative industries which contribute £126 billion to the economy.
Although the government emphasises the importance of the arts, we have yet to see action. The interim report must signal clear and imminent action so that in the words of Sir Keir Starmer, ‘Every young person... has access to music, art, design and drama... That is our mission. Because we know that for our creative industries to flourish, every child needs to be given a chance.’