Taking place on Friday, May 28, the Festival of School and College Arts has been organised as a “badly needed antidote to the misery and disruption caused by the Covid pandemic”.
Schools can take part by posting the artistic achievements of pupils and students on their Twitter account on that day using the hashtag #EduArtsFest.
It is being organised by nine educational organisations including the Association of School and College Leaders, National Association of Head Teachers, NASUWT, National Education Union and others.
A statement announcing the event said: “We want to fill Twitter with paintings, drawings, poems, music, dance, and drama. Posts could consist of a great video, recording, or image – anything which celebrates the artistic achievements of young people.
“We’re hoping this day of celebration will act as a moment of relief from other pressures, showcasing poems, painting, and performances that are already happening within or around lessons.”
The festival is also being supported by the Cultural Learning Alliance, which works to champion a right to arts and culture for every child.
Jacqui O’Hanlon, chair of the Cultural Learning Alliance – who is also director of learning and national partnerships at the Royal Shakespeare Company – said: “Participating in the arts has provided inspiration and refuge during the pandemic for millions. The Festival of School and College Arts is a brilliant opportunity to value and celebrate the creative lives, talents and resilience of our children and young people.”
NASUWT general secretary Dr Patrick Roach added: “Time for creative subjects was coming under increasing pressure before the pandemic, and it is essential that these subjects are protected within the curriculum, that the critical importance of the arts to education recovery is recognised and that access to provision is enhanced for all pupils.”