WHAT IS THE MAIN IDEA OF THE PROJECT AND WHO IS THE TARGET GROUP?

The projects are organised collaboratively by gallery educators, artists and teachers. They aim to explore, assess and articulate the special learning benefits to young people of working with contemporary art and the gallery space, and the programme offers extensive formal and non-formal professional development for all the professionals involved.

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT INCLUDE?

Phase 1: from Autumn 2004 to March 2006, Phase 1 involved clusters - or research teams - in London, the North East and South East of England. It identified key success factors that build an evidence-base to support the provision of more gallery education, contribute to developing policy, increased resources and good practice in the gallery sector.

Phase 2: the second phase, from 2006-8, has involved an expanded consortium of nine clusters across England.

Phase 3: from 2008-9, the third phase was announced in April 2008 with an invitation to galleries and partners to bid to participate in the programme.

HOW IS THE PROJECT FINANCED?

The programme is funded jointly by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the Department for Children, Schools and Families as part of the Strategic Commissioning Programme for Museum and Gallery Education, and the Foyle Foundation. The programme is managed by engage and has been developed in association with Arts Council England.