Arts Award

Supporting young people to unlock their creative potential

Arts Award offers children and young people a journey of personal, creative discovery; the results of which continue to echo through all aspects of their lives for years to come!

From fashion to sculpture, rapping to writing, dance to poetry, Arts Award enables young people to make connections with and participate in the diverse and exciting world we call ‘the arts’, turning their passion or curiosity into a recognised qualification.

The 5 levels of Arts Award support those up to the age of 25 to explore different art forms in increasing depth as they grow and develop new skills, experiences, confidence and interests.

Young people can start at whichever level suits their current learning and development. All levels develop valuable life skills in young people such as communication, organisational and leadership skills which transfer seamlessly to other contexts and situations- preparing them for further education and employment. With a focus on independent working and entrepreneurialism, Arts award encourages young people to not only seek new opportunities but create their own.

Trinity College London manages Arts Award in association with Arts Council England.
Arts Award can be used with any arts or cultural activity, and can be offered in any organisation – including schools, colleges, theatres, galleries, museums, libraries, arts centres, heritage organisations, alternative education provisions, performing groups, youth justice settings, youth clubs or community groups and healthcare services.

For many children and young people Arts Award validates their existing artistic interests or activity but for others it can be their first opportunity to think and work creatively. Whether those who achieve Arts Award go on to be the next generation of artists and art leaders or have simply found a lifelong hobby; they will have gained creativity and professional skills for life. Two female students painting and drawing SaveSave

Two female students painting and drawing

Credit: Artswork Creative Enterprise Programme, 2018

Students filming (Credit: Arts Award Discover, City Eye, 2017)

Male student laying on studio floor in performance (Credit: Rachel Dunford, Zoie Logic dance session, August 2017)

Become an Arts Award Adviser

Kick start Arts Award delivery in your organisation

Arts Award advisers are key to the success of Arts Award. They support children and young people to work towards their awards, provide guidance, and assess their work.

Credit: Arts Award Discover Session, City Eye, 2017

Advisers can be teachers, freelance practitioners, youth workers, members of learning teams and volunteers. They need to have experience of working with young people and access to arts opportunities but do not have to be an arts specialist.

To find a course at a place and date to suit you click here.
Adviser training can also be delivered in-house at your organisation for more information on the process click here.

Arts Award Leadership Network

Led by Artswork, the Arts Award Leadership Network (AALN) is a growing movement of organisations and leaders across the South East dedicated to the sustainable development of Arts Award across all settings and levels. The mentors on the network give support to mentees and help them progress through their Arts Award journey.

To find out more, click here

Artswork’s Support Offer

Beyond your training, you will have access to support and resources to help with the planning, delivery and assessment of your Award. As an Arts Award Supporter organisation, we offer events, activities and opportunities to help both advisors and young people on their Arts award journey to succeed! Check out the links below.