Become an Art History Schools Champion
Join us in bringing Art History to schools during this year’s Art History Festival.
We’re inviting academics, curators, artists and art market professionals to take part in a week‑long, nationwide collaboration to bring Art History to schools. Our goal is to inspire the next generation – showing just how exciting, relevant, and diverse the subject can be. By synchronising our voices between 5–11 October, we can create a powerful, nationwide moment for Art History.
From students to senior professionals, anyone can visit a school during Art History Festival Week. Many of us already give talks in schools or have considered doing so; we are turning individual efforts and aspirations into a collective celebration.
Why take part?
- Make a real impact: Your visit is an opportunity to show the next generation that art history inspires us to think differently and see differently. You might just be the spark that ignites a lifelong love of art.
- Professional development: Art History Schools Champions receive a Digital Festival Badge to highlight their public engagement contribution on LinkedIn, etc.
How it works
- Make the connection: Approach a UK primary or secondary school. This could be a local school, your child’s school, your own former school, or an organisation your university, gallery or arts organisation already partners with.
- Offer a session: Offer a topic you love – decode a single artwork, explore a theme, or share your career journey. What matters is that you can speak simply and with genuine enthusiasm. It could be a classroom lesson, assembly talk, or workshop.
- Arrange the visit: Coordinate directly with the school for a time that suits you both during Art History Festival Week (5–11 October 2026).
- REGISTER NOW by completing our brief form. You can register now, even if your plans aren’t yet confirmed. Just fill in what you know, and once your visit is arranged, you can return to update your details using the link you’ll receive after submitting the form. After your talk, we’ll provide a short survey for you and the school to help measure our reach and impact.
- Spread the word: Be sure to tell your school contact that your visit is part of the national Art History Festival celebration, and mention it at the talk itself
Support
Not sure how to engage 6-year-olds versus 16-year-olds? We’ll send you details of our free online workshops in September, offering practical tips on making art history enjoyable and relatable for children at different stages. You can join live or watch the recordings at your convenience.
Safeguarding
One-off supervised visits are very unlikely to require a DBS check, but your host school will guide you on their specific visitor protocols.