Why involving youngsters in art is more important than ever

Eliminating creative subjects is having a knock-on effect on students’ mental health. In May 2018, the NSPCC reported that the number of referrals from English schools seeking treatment for pupils rose by more than a third over the preceding three years. More recently, the Children’s Society stated that more than 100,000 children aged 14 in the UK are self-harming.  

Pictured: 'Our Family' by John D Wilson

Feversham Primary School in Bradford was shortlisted for two national teaching awards after adopting the Kodály approach, which encourages children to learn subconsciously through rhythm, hand signs and movement. This convincing case for the importance of the creative arts in a child’s mental and academic development is further supported by the British Association of Art Therapists, who claim that art both increases the feel-good chemical dopamine and stimulates the brain to grow new neurons.

You can read more about art therapy in a previous edition of our bi-annual Fine Art Collector magazine, here. 

We’re passionate about instilling our passion for art in the young generation. Our Young Fine Artist competition sees school children recreate work from their favourite artist at their local Castle Fine Art gallery. We teach them about the history of the artists, along with their inspirations and techniques – which then inspires pupils as they undergo their own art studies at school.

Previous winners include 11-year-old Sultanah Alghamdi from Pleasant Street Primary School in Liverpool, who created a fantastic representation of a piece by best-selling artist John Myatt. Her art was hung on the walls alongside Ronnie Wood and Bob Dylan, and she was presented with a certificate and a £100 voucher for Cass Art.