Guildhall School launches Guildhall Young Artists Appeal

Today, we are launching our Guildhall Young Artists Appeal to help talented young people discover the power of performing arts. 

Over the past decade, performing arts opportunities for children across the UK have drastically declined, particularly in state schools. Factors including the prioritisation of STEM subjects and insufficient funding for arts teacher training have led to staff shortages and a diminishing arts curriculum. Without free training at school, many turn to private tuition: however, those who cannot afford private lessons, or who live in an area without arts provision, struggle to do so. The effect of this is evident in the alarming decrease in GCSE entries in England, with Music decreasing by 27% and Drama by 35% from 2010-2022. Young people are at risk of missing out on what the performing arts have to offer: as well as developing musicianship, acting and production arts skills, these subjects are vital in building transferable skills including creativity, teamwork and communication.

Here at Guildhall School, we know it is our responsibility as the UK’s leading conservatoire (Complete University Guide 2024) to do what we can to address this. We are investing heavily in our Guildhall Young Artists programme for under-18s, which offers accessible and engaging training in music, drama and production arts for young people across the country. In the past year we have opened two new centres, Guildhall Young Artists King's Cross and Guildhall Young Artists Online, to complement our four existing centres based in London, Taunton and Norwich, and we have ambitious aims for the future.

How you can support our Guildhall Young Artists Appeal

By donating to our Guildhall Young Artists Appeal, you will help us to enhance our provision even further and achieve our dream of offering vital bursary support to all who need it. If you share our passion for ensuring that children from all backgrounds have access to performing arts education, please support our Guildhall Young Artists Appeal today.

Thanks to an anonymous Guildhall supporter we are delighted that the first £5,000 of donations will be doubled, helping your gift to go even further.

To discuss the appeal in more detail, please email development@gsmd.ac.uk or call us on 020 4582 2415.