To mark our first anniversary as a charity, we are hosting a special evening of discussions, ideas and celebration for our partner schools and supporters, and anyone interested in our work. The theme for the event is Mind the Arts Gap – Creative learning for whole-school wellbeing.

We know that arts activities in primary schools are in severe decline after years of school budgets being squeezed while the curriculum has also been narrowed. Meanwhile, childhood mental health problems are on the rise, with 1 in 10 experiencing issues before the age of 16.  It is proven that the performing arts give children ways to develop confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing, and can deliver improved learning and mental health outcomes. Now, more than ever, we need to address the “arts gap” to ensure all children have equal access to high quality arts provision.

The Artis team, together with our Board of Trustees will be coming together with a panel of invited speakers and guests to explore the power of the performing arts to impact wellbeing for children in the current climate. We invite you to join us to engage in the conversation and enjoy a taste of Artis magic led by one of our talented Specialists. We promise that you will leave feeling inspired by the transformative impact that music, movement and drama can have now and in the future.

We are delighted to announce that Lord Bichard, member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing and Artis Trustee will be chairing the panel discussion with special guests:

• Nitin Sawhney, musician, producer, composer and Artis Adviser
• Lynne Gavin, Headteacher, Pakeman Primary, and Artis Partner School
• Alex Beard, qualified teacher, Senior Director at Teach for All, author of Natural Born Learners

We’d love to see you there!

Mind the Arts Gap: Creative learning for whole-school wellbeing
at LIFT, Islington, London N1 9PW
5 – 7.30pm, Thursday 1st November

Click here to find out more and register for your place.