The new National Centre for Arts Education (previously National Centre for Arts and Music Education) has been awarded by the Department for Education (DfE) to the consultancy Etio.
The centre is expected to start its development by the end of September 2026 and will initially operate for three years, with government funding of just over £29 million including VAT.
The centre is intended to provide national leadership for arts education in England, supporting teachers through 'high-quality training and helping schools connect children and young people with arts and cultural opportunities.'
The DfE says the centre will work closely with arts and cultural organisations and sector bodies, bringing together partners from across arts, culture, education and philanthropy. Its responsibilities will include coordinating funding, strengthening the evidence base for arts education and targeting support towards areas where access to high-quality provision is most unequal.
Michele Gregson, CEO and general secretary of NSEAD says
We are pleased that the work to establish a national centre to support learning in the creative arts subjects can now begin in earnest and congratulate Etio on their successful bid. We welcome opportunities to work with and alongside the National Centre and the wider cultural sector to champion the place of creativity and culture in the lives of children and young people, and to ensure that provision for art and design is truly excellent.