The director of the upcoming V&A East museum has expressed shock at how creative education in British schools has been set back by an entire generation. Gus Casely-Hayford, who serves as the inaugural director of the Victoria and Albert Museum's new five-story facility in east London, made a passionate plea for government reinvestment in arts education during a major industry summit.
Speaking at the Creative Industries Property Summit on Thursday, September 18, Casely-Hayford urged the government to shift focus from STEM to STEAM education – an educational framework that incorporates arts subjects alongside Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The museum leader, whose previous role involved directing Washington D.C.'s National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian Institution, emphasized the significant synergies between scientific and creative thinking approaches.
When asked about his most pressing request for the government during a panel titled "London's Creative East: Better Places and Aligning Partnerships," Casely-Hayford identified education as his primary concern. "I do think at this stage, the shock to me is what a generation of not serving the creative education of young well [does]," he stated. "Seeing the ossification of delivery [when it comes to arts subjects in schools], how that has set back a generation, even here in London, where we have these incredible creative traditions and roots – I would love it if government were to reinvest in STEAM."
Casely-Hayford acknowledged the importance of current educational priorities while advocating for expansion. "STEM has been the clear focus of our educational priorities, quite rightly. But I think we could broaden that and see the benefits," he continued. The curator and international arts leader described his experience observing British schools as particularly sobering, noting how many institutions lack adequate provision to teach creative subjects and the arts to the same extent as other academic areas.
The V&A East director highlighted a troubling disparity in educational resources, explaining that while many schools possess fantastic facilities, they lack the necessary resources to deliver the quality creative education that young people desire. He pointed to the current unpredictable political landscape as particularly challenging for youth, stating, "It's a period within which there is so little good news for young people. We want to give them the opportunities to at least dream."
Casely-Hayford's comments align with broader calls from creative industry leaders and organizations, including the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), who are urging the Labour government to restore strong emphasis on arts education within schools and colleges. The V&A East project represents a significant cultural investment, featuring both the main museum and the V&A East Storehouse, a dedicated collections and research center.
Many in the creative sector are eagerly awaiting results from the government's Curriculum and Assessment Review, which is expected to publish its findings this autumn. The review could potentially address some of the concerns raised by Casely-Hayford and other arts advocates about the current state of creative education in Britain. The outcome may determine whether the next generation of students will have access to the comprehensive arts education that industry leaders believe is essential for maintaining Britain's creative excellence.
