We are pleased to announce that King Edward’s School (KES) has agreed a two-year partnership with the Holburne.
This valuable support will enable the Museum’s Learning & Engagement team to grow its inspirational activities for local school children and young people who face barriers to accessing creative and cultural opportunities.
The partnership also offers rich learning opportunities for pupils at KES to study works of art up close, as well as hearing directly from artists and Museum staff who shape the renowned programme of exhibitions. From Don McCullin’s photography in the spring, Post-Impressionist prints in the summer and paintings by early 20th century British artists including Ravilious in the autumn, the Holburne presents great art of all periods, setting the art of the past in dialogue with contemporary practice in exciting ways.
Dr Chris Stephens, Director of the Holburne Museum said: “We are delighted that King Edward’s School share our belief that creativity is vital to wellbeing. With their support, we can continue to grow our renowned Learning and Engagement programme, encouraging our local schools and community to take part in arts and creative activities. Our vision is to make the Holburne an open, welcoming, inspiring and empowering space for everyone.”
The Holburne is an independent charity which receives no core public funding, and is dependent on the support of the local community, donors, and partners to deliver their work.
Since 2021, The Holburne has been proud to foster close, long-term relationships with six Partner Schools in the city: Three Ways School, Widcombe Junior School, St Michael’s Junior Church School, Paulton Junior School, St Philip’s C of E Primary School and St Saviour’s Junior Church School.
Through this partnerships programme, the Holburne aims to reduce the disparity in access to creative and cultural experiences for local children and their wider school communities, by providing free opportunities to engage with and experience the Museum.
Martin Boden, Headmaster of King Edward’s School, said: “The history of King Edward’s is interwoven with that of Bath itself. For many years, KES has been proud to support and partner with many of the city’s cultural and civic institutions, from Bath Philharmonia and Bath Abbey to the Egg Theatre and Royal United Hospital, as part of our ethos of service and enrichment. We are therefore delighted to deepen our relationship with the Holburne Museum through this new partnership. In celebrating the creative spirit, it will enrich learning across our whole school, offering pupils, including those studying Art and Photography, the chance to encounter and engage with outstanding works and ideas. Just as our Bursary Programme reflects our commitment to widening access to King Edward’s, we are equally pleased that our support will help the Holburne continue to offer free access to its collection for local school children in the city.”
Ed Hume-Smith, Head of Art and Photography at King Edward’s Senior School, said: Within the Art and Photography department at KES, we champion playful experimentation, risk-taking and the development of each pupil’s independent voice, from the first marks in a sketchbook through to ambitious personal projects in the Sixth Form. Partnering with the Holburne will supercharge that journey: first‑hand encounters with exceptional artworks, conversations with artists and curators and classroom discussions sparked by live exhibitions will deepen pupils’ skills, understanding and ambition. This is truly an exciting step for our young artists and photographers across the school.”
KES musicians and guests will gather at the Holburne next month for the School’s annual Holburne Soloists’ Concert held in the Picture Gallery.