ABOUT ARTING AROUND
MISSION
Arting Around empowers children and young people by integrating creative and critical thinking into their education journey through visual art practice and play. We are dedicated to fostering practical, imaginative and wellbeing-led approaches among those who face challenges with the rigidity of mainstream learning.
We will continue developing this work by working with schools, community groups, home schoolers and artists to support Children and Young People with evidence-based impact.
VISION
We want to create a future where every child, regardless of their background or challenges, has access to enriching artistic experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning, curiosity, imagination and creativity.
Through Arting Around, we aspire to cultivate a generation of confident, critical thinkers and creative problem solvers who are empowered to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
KEY OBJECTIVES
We have six objectives that shape everything we do:
Skill Development
- Equip children and young people with problem-solving, collaboration, confidence, and creative thinking skills through artistic activities
- Ensure these skills are transferable to mainstream learning environments and future employment.
Supporting Diverse Learners
- Create an inclusive environment that addresses and targets the unique needs of neurodiverse learners, those who require additional wellbeing support, and those with limited access to arts, culture, and critical thinking
Community Engagement
- Foster strong relationships between pupils, teachers, artists, local cultural organisations and the wider school community.
- Support the organisation of exhibitions and showcases of pupils' work to engage parents, governors, and local residents.
- Offer opportunities for parents to participate in art workshops
Teacher Collaboration & Training
- Provide CPD training sessions for teachers, TAs and support workers to support and sustain the art workshops.
- Enable teachers to integrate similar creative activities into their ongoing curriculum.
Long-term Impact
- Establish a sustainable model for integrating visual arts and critical thinking into the wider educational system.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of the programme on students' transferable skills, overall well-being, and personal development
- Educate and up-skill teachers for long-term facilitation in key thinking and artistic skills.
Accessibility and Inclusion
- All workshops are accessible to, and inclusive of, all children and young people regardless of ability, background and individual challenges.
- We promote equity in educational opportunities through consistent and supportive artistic engagement.
Photos: Arting Around 2025, credit Kat Mager
Previous evidence based enquiries, conducted by our Director, through a unique 'Philosophy for Children' through Art initiative showed that participation by children and young people enhanced led to:
- Improved communication skills
- Increased confidence
- Stronger collaboration abilities
- Enhanced critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Increased classroom engagement
- An improvement in wellbeing and relationships
Post pandemic, these skills have become even more essential for children and young people, particularly those who have been, or are, challenged by neurodiversity, mainstream education and difficult home lives.
We want to develop this work by partnering with schools, community groups, home-schoolers and artists to support children and young people with evidence-based impact.