The Courtauld Institute in London has launched a new funding initiative aimed at expanding access to art history education, following the release of a concerning report that reveals art history is now taught at the high school level in only 19 public schools across the entire United Kingdom. The move comes as the prestigious institution undergoes an $102 million redevelopment of its historic campus at Somerset House.
The comprehensive report, conducted by the Association for Art History and published by the Courtauld, uncovered alarming statistics about the decline of art history education in British schools. The total number of institutions offering art history courses to students aged 16-18 has dropped dramatically by 34 schools, falling from 122 institutions in 2016 to just 80 today. The subject is exclusively available in England, with programs concentrated primarily in London and the southeast region, while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have no art history provision whatsoever.
Rose Aidin, founder and chief executive of Art History Link-Up, a registered charity that provides free art history qualifications equivalent to A-levels, emphasized the widespread demand for such education. "Over half of our students are based outside London, and we've taught art history courses to students from each of the four nations," Aidin stated. "There is clearly a market and appetite for the study of art history qualifications across the UK."
The Courtauld's new fund represents a significant commitment to addressing educational inequality and expanding opportunities for young people interested in art history. According to an official statement, the initiative aims to dramatically increase the number of scholarships and financial aid packages the institution offers to students. Dorothy Price, executive dean and deputy director of the Courtauld, explained that the fund is designed to "break down the financial barriers that prevent talented young people from accessing the Courtauld's world-class teaching."
In addition to the funding initiative, the gallery has introduced a comprehensive access and participation plan specifically designed to increase applications from traditionally underrepresented groups. This strategic approach targets students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, students from the Global Majority, and students who attended public schools rather than private institutions.
The timing of these announcements coincides with what the Courtauld describes as a "once-in-a-generation transformation" of its historic facilities. The institution, which is part of the University of London, was founded by industrialist and art collector Samuel Courtauld and first opened its doors in 1932. To commemorate its upcoming centenary celebration, the gallery has unveiled ambitious plans for a comprehensive renovation of its Grade 1-listed building at Somerset House, with the $102 million project being overseen by the renowned architectural firm Witherford Watson Mann.
The renovation process has required significant temporary relocations and adjustments to operations. Students were required to vacate the historic Somerset House building at the end of 2018 to allow the initial phases of construction work to proceed, and they temporarily moved to facilities at Vernon Square, near King's Cross station. The new campus on the Strand will feature state-of-the-art teaching spaces, a modern lecture theater, and an innovative library constructed within Somerset House's subterranean vaults as part of the extensive renovation.
The ambitious campus transformation project has attracted support from numerous prestigious philanthropic organizations and wealthy benefactors. Major funding sources include the Deborah Loeb Brice Foundation and the Garfield Weston Foundation, both well-known supporters of educational and cultural initiatives. Additional significant financial backing comes from the Blavatnik Family Foundation, the charitable enterprise established by Ukrainian-born businessman Sir Leonard Blavatnik. The project has also received support from Denise Coates, the founder of the Bet365 gambling empire.
Earlier this year, the Courtauld achieved a major fundraising milestone when it received a $37 million donation, representing the largest single gift in the institution's 93-year history. This unprecedented financial contribution came from the Reuben Foundation, which serves as the charitable arm of billionaire brothers and property development moguls David and Simon Reuben. The Reuben family currently holds the number two position on the most recent Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated fortune of $33.5 billion.
Looking toward the future, Courtauld director Mark Hallett outlined several expansion plans during a press briefing. The institute is actively considering offering additional master's degree programs and exploring opportunities to collaborate with art schools throughout the region. The institution is also eager to launch more continuing education courses specifically designed for adult learners who want to pursue art history studies later in life.
