Sky Arts’ Access All Arts Week, a free nationwide arts week for primary schools, returns for its fourth year between 16th and 20th June with over 19,400 teachers in 11,700 schools across the UK and Ireland already signed up to take part.
Exciting new live lessons for 2025
For the first time, this year’s programme will feature live lessons lead by some of the UK’s best creatives, including:
· Former ballerina & creator of DDMIX Dame Darcey Bussell DBE leads the way with an energising movement workshop, teaching fun dance moves from all around in a global dance adventure.
· Singer, songwriter and broadcaster Fleur East brings the beats, teaching pupils the basics of rap and how to have fun with music.
· Spoken-word artist and podcaster George the Poet guides pupils to craft their own poem about the library, using lyrical storytelling to explore a setting.
· Marvel comic book artist Will Sliney guides pupils step-by-step in his drawing masterclass, teaching them how to draw their very own comic book character.
· Oscar-winning Wicked costumer designer Paul Tazewell will encourage pupils to create their own one-of-a-kind outfit, inspired by the show’s iconic costumes.
The lessons, filmed at iconic locations including the Royal Academy of Dance, the Cartoon Museum in Soho, Hits Radio (part of the Bauer Media Group), the Library in Willesden Green, and Sky Studios Elstree (where Wicked was filmed) will give pupils an insight into the creative world and the inspiration behind our talent.
Dame Darcey Bussell DBE said:
Imagination and creativity through the arts is an essential part of learning and helps to create mentally sustainable young minds. Dance in particular can stimulate the child’s interest in all areas of the arts, as well as sports, and give them the confidence to explore their own creativity in other fields. These benefits should be enjoyed by every child which is why I am so excited to be a part of Sky Arts’ Access All Arts Week with our DDMIX dance fitness master class.
Fleur East said:
Being part of this incredible school’s arts initiative is such an honour. I’ve always believed in the power of creativity to inspire young people, and this project gives children a unique opportunity to express themselves. Music has the ability to break down barriers, and I’m excited to see how the children use their voices to create something special. I’m looking forward to seeing their work and spotting any future rappers out there!
Will Sliney said:
It's never been more important to encourage art for kids than now. Inspiring kids to learn how to draw is one of the most powerful gifts we can give them. Drawing isn’t just about art—it’s about expression, imagination, and confidence. When a child picks up a pencil and starts to sketch, they begin to see the world through a creative lens, learning to communicate thoughts and feelings that words can’t always capture. I’m so I'm thrilled to be a part of Access All Arts Week. Hopefully we can help prove that drawing is a skill and not a talent, and that everyone can do it with a bit of practice.
Vanessa Woodard, Head of Partnerships, Sky Arts, said:
Access All Arts has been a passion project for us all at Sky Arts. Taking the time to talk to teachers and education providers during lockdown has proven invaluable, allowing us to design a programme that addresses specific needs within schools and offers teachers customised resources that genuinely work for them. The support and enthusiasm of our talented contributors and partners has also helped to elevate this initiative and we would like to thank everyone who has joined us on this journey.
Anna Tvrz, Associate Director of Content, We Are Futures, said:
Sky Arts’ Access All Arts empowers children to explore a range of artforms, building creativity, confidence, and a love of learning across the curriculum. Developed with busy teachers in mind, the programme provides high-quality, ready-to-use resources - helping 80% of participating teachers feel more confident delivering arts education. We’re excited for schools to discover the 2025 resources and continue bringing the arts to life in classrooms across the UK!
There’s still time to get involved in Access All Arts Week – find out more here: https://accessallarts.skyarts.uk/
IAccess All Art week is 16-20th June 2025
