The Government Art Collection (GAC) is proud to be a partner of Picture This, the first large-scale visual literacy impact study of its kind in the UK. In 2024, GAC staff rolled out our pilot schools programme, funded by the Robson Orrs, and brought original artworks into schools, alongside creative workshops. As part of our work on Picture This the GAC will continue to place artworks in educational environments throughout the project and host creative workshops to help measure how visual literacy can impact students’ social and academic outcomes.
The Government Art Collection, established in 1899, is a national collection of historic, modern and contemporary British art that is displayed in government buildings in the UK and around the world. These locations include government departments in Whitehall, regional hubs, and the residences of British Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consulates-General in over 125 countries worldwide.
The works are seen by thousands of visitors, promoting British art and contributing to cultural diplomacy. The Government Art Collection actively seeks ways to widen public engagement with its artworks through partnerships and by participating in local, national and international events.
The Government Art Collection
Bringing Art Into Schools
Part of the Picture This initiative will compare the effects on visual literacy skills and wider learning outcomes of using original artworks versus digital images in educational settings. Art UK’s Art in Superpower Schools programme, the Government Art Collection displayed Joy Labinjo’s painting ‘Man Drinking Coffee’ in a primary school in Peckham. The artwork was used as the inspiration for a t-shirt printing workshop.
Eliza Gluckman, Director, Government Art Collection
The Government Art Collection is a globally dispersed collection of British art that represents the UK, and our programme aims to promote and support creativity. We have a long-standing relationship with Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr through the Robson Orr TenTen Award, a 10-year commissioning programme supporting new work by leading British artists. The programme also raises funds to acquire work by under-represented artists and has supported the GAC to provide workshops and educational resources for school children. We are absolutely delighted to have worked with the Robson Orr Foundation to create this powerful partnership with Art UK and University of Oxford that we believe will have real impact on supporting the impact of visual literacy in education.
The Government Art Collection will work with partners Art UK, the University of Oxford research team from the Oxford Department of Education and Oxford Gardens Libraries and Museums (GLAM) to deliver the project in schools across London, Bradford, Plymouth and Oxford through 2025 – 2027.
