Let Them Speak - Young People & Art

What is ARTiculation? You may have heard of it, or even participated in it. ARTiculation is a national and international public speaking initiative, championing the appreciation and discussion of art. It enables a wide range of students aged between 14 and 23 to develop their confidence and ability to express themselves in regards to art. 

I interviewed Timothy Revell, the Communications & Outreach Officer for ARTiculation. Timothy describes ARTiculation as ‘an initiative to engage young people in art through public speaking and to promote the appreciation and discussion of visual culture regardless of background or experience.’ Working closely with art institutions, the prize aims to build lasting relationships between the students and their artistic communities. What I think is so unique about it is that it also grants these students the opportunity to speak at internationally recognised museums, with competitions taking place in places like the Ashmolean and National Gallery.

What are the benefits of participating?

Alongside promoting the discussion of art and broadening horizons, ‘simultaneously, it develops confidence and the ability to express opinions, thoughts and passions.’

Why is this initiative important?

‘In all the data we collect, we continually see that a large majority of young people have never stepped foot inside their local gallery, whether this be the National Gallery or another regional museum. Students really do have passionate ideas but they are often lying dormant, with only minimal creative inspiration in the classroom. My colleagues and I help young people articulate those thoughts and passions that they feel in a museum or gallery.’ 

History of Art as a subject is often studied for the first time at university. As Tim mentions, for many participants this is their first engagement with artistic institutions. The Prize allows for students to recognise an interest in the arts earlier on than at university-level. 

What are the benefits for students?

‘It isn’t about knowing the names and dates of artists or paintings in any formal way, but in building confidence in their own thoughts and analysis. This confidence helps students delve into artworks from the Renaissance to contemporary art, often ending in extraordinary connections between art and contemporary life; and ultimately deep human emotions that transcend even art.’

In our visually-centred world and in an educational system where the history of art is not widely taught, this prize offers an accessible platform for young students to engage. For many, it is their first time talking about art, and for others it is their first time considering art history as a broader field. The arts can often feel difficult to penetrate, but this is a rare and valuable opportunity to make the arts more accessible to young audiences. Alongside this, the prize fosters partnerships within the communities it engages with. I feel that ARTiculation's main benefit lies in its ability to share a passion for art to new audiences, and bring engaged students to impressive, historical venues to share their new passion.