The UK Labour party’s recent election victory was accompanied by a widely touted promise of “change”, and one area in which this would certainly be welcome is the funding of arts education. This week (until 17 July) the new government—and the general public—can see the value of such investment at the first-ever Camden Schools Art Biennale.
The two-week exhibition showcases works developed by every school throughout the north London borough, most of which falls within the constituency of the newly elected prime minister Keir Starmer. Project organisers intend for this first edition to both showcase the quality work of a diverse set of young people, and connect them to the possibilities of a career in the arts.
The exhibition takes place within a context of years of funding cuts under the previous Conservative government, which promised to cap “low value” degree courses. By the time the second edition of the new biennial opens in 2026—almost exactly two years into Starmer’s premiership—organisers hope for broader shifts in the way that arts are positioned within schools.
“We’d like to see a primary, secondary and tertiary education system that values STEM, the arts and humanities in equal measure,” says Samuel Mitchell, partnerships manager at project partner Central Saint Martins.
“One where young people in Camden from all backgrounds can see a pathway into the creative and cultural industries through their education.”
- Camden Schools Art Biennale, The Lethaby and Window Galleries, until 17 July. Organised by Camden Council, Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London and Camden Learning
