GovWire

A panel which will oversee the development of a new plan to improve cultural education for young people has been brought together by the government.

The panel is made up of 22 experts and includes teachers, education leaders, and representatives from the performing arts, museums, heritage and youth sectors and creative industries.

They have been selected to advise the government on the development of the plan which will articulate and highlight the importance of high-quality cultural education in schools. It will also promote the value of cultural and creative education, outline and support career progression pathways, address skills gaps and tackle disparities in opportunity and outcome by ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background, can access high-quality cultural education.

The panel will be chaired by Baroness Bull, who has extensive expertise in the arts, as a performer in the Royal Ballet, within creative leadership at the Royal Opera House and in governance roles on the boards of the South Bank Centre and Arts Council England.

It also includes important figures from across these sectors such as Sir Hamid Patel, Chief Executive, Star Academies as vice-chair education and Lizzie Crump, UK Strategic Lead, What Next?, as vice-chair culture.

The development of the plan will be informed by extensive engagement with children and young people, teachers, school leaders and professionals in the cultural, creative, education and youth sectors.

Since the announcement of the chair, the government is undertaking a series of around 50 listening exercises, working with organisations including the Confederation of School Trusts, Royal Shakespeare Company, National Youth Agency, Creative UK, the Royal Society of Arts, and the Arts Council Englands Youth Advisory Board.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said:

It is important that schools provide an extensive knowledge-rich curriculum that includes the arts, music and heritage.

The cultural education plan will help pupils instil a love and interest in culture throughout their education, along with guidance for those who wish to pursue creative and cultural industry careers.

The panel brings extensive knowledge and experience in these industries, and I look forward to seeing it play a pivotal role in the development of this plan.

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson said:

Cultural education is a vital part of childrens learning and development. It opens their eyes to the life-enhancing benefits that culture and creativity bring. It also helps to nurture the next generation of talent to pursue careers in the arts and creative industries enriching the lives of us all.

We have been gathering the views of people from across the cultural and educational sector, and I have had the pleasure of joining a number of the listening exercises already held. This panel of experts, chaired by Baroness Bull, will help us bring forward an ambitious plan to provide creative opportunities for all children and young people, and support our vision to maximise the potential of our creative industries. I look forward to working closely with the panel in this important work.

Baroness Bull said:

High quality cultural education is a vital component of a well-rounded education, equipping young people to enjoy and participate in arts and culture and supporting their personal and social development in ways that will sustain them as individuals, into the workplace and throughout their lives.

Recognising the many stakeholders that contribute to cultural education in, around and beyond schools, the panel brings together expert voices and perspectives from education and the cultural sector across the country. I look forward to working with them to ensure the governments Cultural Education Plan amplifies, extends and equalises cultural education, experiences and opportunities for all children and young people, whatever their background and wherever they live.