National Gallery
Let’s talk about art
The National Gallery recently took over Articulation, a competition for young people to develop their speaking skills and appreciation of art. Participants choose a work of art, a piece of architecture or an artefact to give a 10 minute presentation about, learning skills that help them succeed in education and work.
To settle Articulation into its new home, the National Gallery has ambitious plans to involve more young people from the London borough of Westminster in the programme. Access to opportunity matters to us and we were pleased to support the National Gallery with a grant of £126,000 in 2022 to reach every state secondary school in the borough. In 2023, we gave another grant of £225,000 over three years to help embed, develop and expand the project.
- According to the Social Mobility Commission, strong communication skills are important for improving social mobility and workplace opportunities.
- Articulation currently works with over 50 partner museums, galleries and universities in 10 regions across England and Scotland.
- Articulation benefits over 200 secondary schools, colleges and youth groups.
Skills for success
Articulation helps participants to develop effective communication, critical thinking, visual analysis and independent research skills. Young people who take part say that the research they do, the people they meet and the skills they develop through the project help them to take the next steps in their education or careers with confidence. As well as the Articulation competition there is a Discover Articulation Challenge open to 14 to 16-year-olds and Discovery Days for students in state schools aged 16 to 18.
Participants in the Articulation competition join the Articulation Alumni network which aims to widen participation in the creative sector. The network creates and finds opportunities for alumni, such as work experience in arts organisations, the chance to present their talks at conferences, or develop their presentations into written articles.
“I am delighted that, through Articulation, the National Gallery is strengthening its connection with thousands of young people in London and across the country, empowering them to express their ideas through exploring the work of inspiring artists, both from the past and the present. Helping young people to develop their knowledge, networks and skills, and a love of culture will have a real impact on their lives.”
More Success Stories
The Photographers’ Gallery
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew – Youth Explainers
