BLOG: Becky Thompson, Education Producer, Arts Connect 

I was delighted (and a little nervous) about being invited to speak at the House of Commons by Susan Coles who is secretary for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Art Craft and Education. I have been a follower of Susan’s art education advocacy work for a long time and was lucky enough to work with her on an Arts Connect CPD programme in 2024 exploring strategies to reengage boys in art.

Susan approached me to talk about our teacher professional development and learning programme Contemporary Art in the Classroom as the model is centred around building sustainable local partnerships utilizing the expertise and resource in the Black Country and surrounding areas. Through the programme we connect teachers to local art galleries, arts practitioners and importantly each other. The Contemporary Art in the Classroom programme also enables us to use artworks to explore themes with teachers that are important for young people to consider but may be challenging to approach in the classroom such as identity, culture, relationships and conflict.

I was given 20 minutes to talk about our work and what makes it different. I shared how we structure the programme providing teachers with the input of contemporary art, a timeframe, support to design a classroom enquiry and spaces to connect, reflect and showcase their learning. I emphasised the importance of encouraging and supporting teachers to use the programme as a way to be curious and brave in their teaching practice and to take a few (measured) risks in their classrooms. It was brilliant to be able to share the breadth and depth of learning that we’ve seen in our teacher cohorts and the impacts they’ve seen with students who have been more critical, expressive and independent.

It was a daunting and exciting experience, and I was honoured to speak alongside Dr Kate Noble, Assistant Research Professor of Museum Participation and Practice at The Fitzwilliam Museum, and Professor Abigail Harrison Moore, Professor of Art History and Museum Studies at the University of Leeds and to connect with so many passionate and dedicated art educators and advocates.