The DJ Naughty Boy, Simon Schama and Melvyn Bragg are among those backing a campaign to bring artists into schools in deprived London communities, launched by $1 million prize-winning art teacher Andria Zafirakou.
Ms Zafirakou, winner of the $1 million Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2018, wants to involve people working at all levels in the arts in her Artists in Residence project.
“I hope this can be a true classroom revolution,” said Ms Zafirakou. “I encourage all artistic talent throughout London, including musicians, actors, dancers and fashion designers to support and lend their time to our schools.”
Backing the initiative, Naughty Boy, who wrote the hit song La La La, said: “Music and the wider arts have given me so much and supporting this initiative is a way for me to give back. I urge schools and artists across the capital to sign up so we can bring creative talent into our schools, helping the next generation to experience the transformative power of art”.
Artists in Residence will sign up leading artists and creative industry figures to work with schools for a fixed period - ranging from a day to a full academic year.
The scheme, which is due to be launched today at Ms Zafirakou’s school, Alperton Community School in Brent has also won backing from Turner prize winning artists Mark Wallinger and Jeremy Deller, actress and artist Meredith Ostrom.
Ms Zafirakou won the Global Teacher Prize for her work as an arts and textiles teacher and member of the senior leadership team. She has learned the basics of many of the 35 languages spoken in school, helped redesign the curriculum to resonate with pupils and worked with an artist in residence herself to inspire pupils and help them cope with complex home circumstances.
The prize is worth about £720,000 and paid instalments over ten years. Funds from the prize will be used to set up and manage the Artists in Residence scheme. The community of artists and organizations will be gathered together through an online platform created and managed by Ms Zafirakou. Schools can apply to be matched with an artist or organisation.
The Artist in Residence scheme is being launched in London before being rolled out nationally.
Matt Hancock, culture secretary, said: “We believe that there is a creative spark in every child, and it is our responsibility as a society, through inspirational teachers, to draw out this spark and light the fires of our imagination. Culture is a great tool to promote openness and social mobility, and is a key part of a well-rounded education. This scheme will harness the power of the arts to inspire future generations and give them the confidence and skills they need when they leave school.”
Full details of the scheme and how artists, organisations and schools can take part are at www.artistsinresidence.org.uk
