Artsmark

Fusion launched a ‘Barnsley Creative Schools Programme’ in January, with five primary schools embarking on their Artsmark journey together.

The five creative schools are part of a network (led by Fusion’s Schools Arts Network Lead and Network Manager) and have access to six CPD sessions across the year, including:

  • Online fundraising training.
  • Face-to-face network meeting to review progress, discuss aspirations and understand how Fusion’s offer can help to support schools on their Artsmark journey.
  • Online music CPD session for teachers (designed to increase knowledge and confidence in delivering music sessions within primary schools) – delivered by our partner, Barnsley Music Education Hub.
  • Tour of the Cooper Gallery, led by a Barnsley Museums’ Collections and Exhibitions Manager. The session includes an artist-led art activity (which teachers can then replicate within their school) and information about Barnsley Museums’ school learning offer.


The Cooper Gallery Trustees kindly provided funding for new schools registering for Artsmark as part of the programme, along with a £250 bursary for arts materials.

Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings, accredited by Arts Council England.

The aim is to help settings to embed arts, culture and creativity across the whole curriculum, celebrating the commitment to cultural education.

The benefits of Artsmark include:

  • Supporting the health and wellbeing of pupils with arts, culture and creativity.  
  • Ensuring every young person can be creative and access a diverse, high-quality cultural education. 
  • Engaging, motivating and upskilling teaching staff (using Artsmark’s CPD and whole school collaboration). 
  • Accessing professional support, advice and resources to strengthen the school’s arts provision.


To find out more about Artsmark, please visit their website.

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