The National Arts and Cultural Education Awards 2026

About the Open Call

The National Arts and Cultural Education Awards shine a light on best practice and innovation in the field of creative and cultural learning. Celebrating incredible people—teachers, teaching artists, creative practitioners, youth and social workers, health and wellbeing specialists and community volunteers—who are working to improve young lives by breaking down barriers to engagement with arts and culture. For the first time, the program is national, expanding to include Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

What is Offered

Recognition and celebration of arts and cultural education practice through 10 award categories.

Requirements

Nominations are invited for projects, schools, individuals, and organizations dedicated to arts and cultural education for young people. Self-nomination is permitted for most categories, except for the Changemaker Award.

How to Apply

Nominations can be submitted via the online forms provided for each of the 10 award categories on the Curious Minds website.