Our Education Programmes

Education

The Arts Scholars Education Committee has developed a range of initiatives funded by the Company's Charitable Trust, which enable students and young people to experience and engage with the fine and decorative arts and learn about the many career paths which can be followed.

These projects encompass all levels of education from primary to tertiary, and post-graduate students are also supported financially.

Schools Programmes

Awards & Bursary Programme

Tomorrows Arts Scholars

Alumni

Schools Programmes

Schools Treasure Chest Challenge

In an increasingly digital world, many children have limited chances to engage with objects that are outside their everyday lives and with any cultural and historical resonance. The Treasure Chest Challenge offers a hands-on alternative.

With the help of Arts Scholars mentors, or Challengers, pupils in Years 5–7 explore a wide range of old and intriguing objects: from WWII medals and Victorian silver to Roman oil lamps, antique books and Regency tea caddies. Working in pairs using worksheets with questions to guide and challenge each child in his exploration, the pupils investigate each object’s history, purpose, and cultural context, becoming 'history detectives'.

These workshops develop collaboration, communication, visual literacy, and analytical skills. The level of engagement of the pupils is very high. At the end of each workshop the pupils take home answer sheets together with a Certificate and various career opportunities in the arts world are highlighted, accompanied by an illustrated Company flyer.

For more information, download our brochure by clicking on the cover image below.

“This is better than a museum because we can handle the objects.”

To discuss a school visit, which is free, contact: WCASEducation@gmail.com

Schools Auction House Careers Scheme

With art history provision declining in schools, this is a pro-active programme of workshops for young people with their local auction house, to engage with objects and learn about the careers associated with the industry.

Partnering with auction houses, pupils take part in a one-day workshop featuring:

Talks on career pathways (valuing, insurance, shipping, marketing)
Hands-on sessions across specialist departments (design, jewellery, silver, pictures, interiors, photography)
A “Basic, Better, Best” object analysis challenge
A virtual auction exercise
Opportunities for work experience

The scheme, first piloted at Canterbury Auction Galleries and Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers, is expanding with support from the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers (SOFAA).

For more information, download our brochure by clicking on the cover image

Schools Cultural Work Placement Scheme

Established in 2010, this scheme offers Year 10-12 students a week’s placement in leading London museums and arts organisations.

Currently, pupils from The Charter School, North Dulwich are placed with organisations including the Imperial War Museum, National Maritime Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum, the Society of Antiquaries, Ben Uri Gallery and Abbott & Holder.

Awards and Bursary Programme

Court Assistant Catherine Shearn (left) and Award Winner Emily Pryke who is researching the Turner Prize for her MA

The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars, with support from the Charitable Trust, supports higher education through:

£1,000 annual awards to PhD History of Art students at the Universities of Exeter, St Andrews, and Warwick
£2,000 annually to two PhD Archaeology students at the University of Reading
Three joint-funded MA bursaries at the University of York and a funded bursary at the University of Sussex
West Dean Conservation Awards, including a Foundation Degree bursary and bookbinding bursaries

Recipients are selected by partner institutions based on academic merit and financial need. Applications should be made through the relevant university.

Award holders share their work through the Company’s newsletter and events and are able to join the Arts Scholars Alumni network on completion.

Tomorrow’s Arts Scholars

Tomorrow’s Arts Scholars brings together all our initiatives for younger audiences, including the Treasure Chest Challenge, auction house workshops, work placements, and careers events.

It reflects our commitment to making the arts accessible to students from all backgrounds, supported by the expertise of Arts Scholars members.