Schools & Colleges
Group visits - schools, colleges and universities
Contemporary art sparks imaginations, challenges thinking and encourages conversations. It offers exciting routes into subjects that extend far beyond the study of art itself.
"The difference in the children has been phenomenal. The children’s confidence and self-esteem has been really boosted. The best creative project we’ve done".
Teacher, Huntingdon Academy
We warmly welcome schools, colleges and university groups.
Please contact us to book a visit, either by phoning us on 0115 948 9750 or by emailing learn@nottinghamcontemporary.org.
We can work with schools and colleges to plan a visit and provide resources to connect students to the exhibitions. Our team of artists can also support your visit with a workshop. Our Artist Experience Workshops are £150 for a 2-hour workshop for a single class and £250 for two classes.
Our What’s On - Nottingham Contemporary page has information about current and forthcoming exhibitions.
Please do contact us in advance so we can manage numbers and make spaces and resources available.
“I am aiming for the children to become more confident and resilient in the world that they are growing up in. In my opinion, art facilitates this brilliantly, and encourages children to think in a way that is often hard to otherwise teach” Teacher, Highbank Primary School
"The difference in the children has been phenomenal. The children’s confidence and self-esteem has been really boosted. The best creative project we’ve done". Teacher, Huntingdon Academy
Learn with us for free
Bring your students and explore international art in our galleries – for free! We can help you plan your visit, welcome your group and support with lots of free resources. Borrow a Resource Box filled with lots of ideas and activities to support learning and connect students with the exhibition themes. We also have resources to support SEND, emotional wellbeing, speaking and listening, creative writing, and ESOL.
teacher_notes_ridykeulous.pdf (nottinghamcontemporary.org)
visitor_advisory_notes_with_images.pdf (nottinghamcontemporary.org)
Work with an artist
Our artists can tailor workshops to the needs of your group, inspiring your students to explore the galleries, share ideas and develop their own creative work. We warmly welcome students of all ages, interests and abilities.
Artist-led workshops cost £150 for one class and £250 for two classes.
Learning Preview
Come along to our free Learning Previews for teachers and tutors each exhibition season. Our team of artists will show you around and suggest creative ideas for visiting with your group and for the classroom. Explore our galleries and take part in a practical workshop, then try out our resources and network with colleagues over a glass of wine.
School Partnerships
We work in partnership with city schools to provide students and teachers opportunities to engage with art in our galleries, to work with our team of artists and develop their own creative work and exhibitions. We have recently recieved funding from the Freelands Foundation and MaxLiteracy - Inspiring writing through art. Previously, programmes have been generously funded by The Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Garcia Family Foundation, the David Ross Education Trust and Children and the Arts.
Work Experience
20 pupils aged 14 - 17 years, from Nottingham City Schools and further took part in a unique week of work experience in July 2023. Hosted by Nottingham Contemporary and delivered in partnership with Nottingham City Museums and Galleries, The National Justice Museum, Backlit Gallery, Nottingham City Arts, Notts Queer Zine. They took part in experiences with artists, programmers, curators and technicians across venues and gain an insight into the variety of careers within the arts creating their own zines and culminating in an end of week event.
Applications for Work Experience Week 2024 will be opening in January. Watch this space!
Arts Award and Artsmark
Arts Award is a national qualification supporting young people to broaden their creative experiences and develop their leadership, communication and reflection skills. Our team are experienced in delivering and supporting Arts Award programmes and can deliver or help you plan supporting activity.
Artsmark is a quality standard for schools, used to plan, develop and evaluate creativity across the curriculum and to support school priorities. Get in touch and we can explore together how we can support you in your Artsmark journey.