Celebrating 20 Years of Arts Award

This autumn marks 20 years since the start of Arts Award. Arts Award is a set of unique qualifications - managed by Trinity College London in association with Arts Council England - that take children and young people on a creative journey, exploring the arts world, discovering their potential as artists, developing leadership skills and gaining a recognised qualification.

Since its inception, over 750,000 Arts Awards have been achieved by young people across the UK, supported by a diverse network of more than 50,000 trained advisers — from teachers based in primary and secondary schools, to museum, theatre and gallery educators and youth workers in local authorities and voluntary sector settings.

“It’s 20 years of young people discovering their creativity, advisers guiding them through new experiences, and centres across the UK opening their doors to opportunity.” reflects Catherine Sercombe, Trinity’s Head of Performance.

From the launch of the Access Fund in 2007 — which provides small grants to help centres support young people facing barriers to access and inclusion — to the introduction of Discover and Explore levels in 2012 — designed for younger learners aged 5 and above — Arts Award has continually evolved to support inclusive, meaningful arts education.

In recent years, the qualification has transitioned to a more efficient operating model, easing administration for centres and reintroducing paper certificates following strong feedback from the community. A new digital booking and submission platform via My Trinity is also on the way.

“Advisers can spend less time navigating systems and more energy inspiring learners. That balance is vital if Arts Award is to thrive across the next 20 years.” Catherine explains.

To mark this milestone, advisers who’ve shaped Arts Award over the past 20 years are passing on their reflections, past achievers are sharing their stories and centres are hosting events. Follow #ArtsAward20 on Facebook and X to hear inspiring stories and see how Arts Award continues to spark creativity, and support young people’s confidence and communication skills across the UK.