Education
Core workshops
Our brochureAt 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, we offer curriculum-linked workshops throughout the school year, inspired by our current exhibitions.
Led by experienced learning professionals, these sessions explore materials and themes in contemporary art, craft, and design, and include exhibition visits where possible. Workshops are available:
- Onsite: at our inspiring venue
- Outreach: at your school or community setting
- Customised: to meet specific learning outcomes
Want something bespoke? We can develop a workshop around your chosen technique, artist, or subject—just let us know what you need or check out our current workshops below:
The children absolutely loved the trip, thank you so much for inspiring them, we have already done a follow up art lesson this week looking at portraits and proportion, and you can see how much they have learnt since the trip!
KS2 teacher, Burton Stather Primary School
School, college & group visits
20-21 offers an arts learning service with creativity at its core, complementing our rich and changing exhibition programme.
We welcome schools, colleges, and community groups and offer a wide range of workshops and activities to suit most requirements.
Our collaborative projects include teacher training, after-school clubs, whole-school art development and community-led initiatives
Many of our sessions integrate art with maths, science, and literacy, creating cross-curricular opportunities that enrich learning.
Booking with us guarantees a high-quality, memorable experience. Our sessions are regularly evaluated by both pupils and educators to ensure they deliver excellent value. Our beautiful building with its creative and historical architecture offers the perfect venue to inspire your group.
Our Specialist Arts Learning Team provide CPD sessions covering textiles, watercolour, clay and sculpture, printing, and drawing. To discuss how 20-21 can accommodate your needs, please get in touch for more information.
Tours & talks
Explore contemporary art through self-guided or guided experiences led by our Arts and Heritage Learning Team.
- Self-guided tours: Free. Please notify us in advance. ARTivities table access available for a small fee.
- Guided tours: Led by our team, covering exhibition themes and materials. Max group: 30 | Cost: £15
- Artist talks: Gain insights from exhibiting artists. Contact us to arrange.
- Education room hire: Available for lunches or self-led activities (10am–4pm), subject to availability.
Professional development & teacher support
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
We offer tailored CPD packages designed to suit your school’s needs. These can be delivered in-school or as part of a visit to 20-21. Our goal is to help you embed the arts across the curriculum using innovative methods, materials, and themes that spark creativity.
CPD sessions can also be added to any workshop or school visit.
We also host Teacher Twilight Sessions linked to our major exhibitions, with expert facilitation and curriculum advice from Advanced Skills Teachers (ASTs).
Interested in CPD or Twilight Sessions? Get in touch to find out more.
Learning resources & loan kits
To support schools affordably, we offer equipment kits for hire:
- Shadow puppet kit: Create theatrical performances.
- Screen printing kit: Includes screens, squeegees, inks.
- Batik kit: Explore textile design with wax and dye tools.
Note: Prices negotiable based on duration and equipment needs.
Awards & qualifications
Artsmark
Inspiring young people through arts and culture.
Artsmark helps schools deliver high-quality arts and cultural education. It supports character development, creativity, and cultural understanding.
Awarded by Arts Council England, Artsmark is designed by schools, for schools. Any educational setting can apply.
Artsmark schools gain access to:
- Exclusive resources
- Networks of leading cultural organisations
- Support to strengthen arts provision
20-21 Visual Arts Centre can support your journey toward Artsmark—from free visits and pupil workshops to staff training.
Our Learning and Engagement Officer stays up to date with Artsmark requirements and can guide you through the process.
Please get in touch if you would to find out more.
Arts Award
We are both an Arts Award Supporter and an Approved Centre, with trained staff delivering qualifications from Discover to Gold.
Arts Award is a flexible, accredited programme that develops creativity, communication, planning and teamwork. It’s available at five levels; Discover (Introductory), Explore (Entry Level 3), Bronze (Level 1), Silver (Level 2) and Gold (Level 3, UCAS-recognised).
If you have a group of children or young people interested in Arts Award, we’d love to hear from you.
| Level | Qualification | Credit value | Guided learning hours | UCAS Tariff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explore | Entry Level Award in the Arts (Entry 3) | 4 | 25 (10) | N/A |
| Bronze | Level 1 Award in the Arts | 6 | 40 (20) | N/A |
| Silver | Level 2 Award in the Arts | 10 | 60 (35) | N/A |
| Gold | Level 3 Certificate in the Arts | 15 | 90 (60) | 35 |
Note: Hours in brackets refer to additional recommended independent learning hours.
Ready to plan your visit?
We’d love to help design the perfect learning experience for your group.
Get in touch