Why Art History?
In an increasingly visual world, students studying art history develop beneficial and transferable skills and increase their cultural capital. Art history can lead to a wide range of rewarding careers across the Creative Industries as well as life-long enjoyment.
Art History is the study of art from across the world from an historical viewpoint and considers art in all its forms and from the ancient world to the present day.
A note from our Chief Executive
The last ten years have been challenging ones for arts education. Despite the arts offering a life-changing opportunity for many students who go on to rewarding careers in the UK’s vibrant and economically successful creative industries sector, the arts have been systemically devalued in education.
Art History Link-Up aims to change this by offering Art History courses for everyone and promoting diversity in the arts. Our teaching is inspiring, working with world-class collections of art, we support our students in understanding and navigating future opportunities and career options.
For more information on why securing the future of art history in education matters read our briefing paper.
Rose Aidin,
Founder & CEO
The Numbers
2.4 million
Jobs provided
by the Creative Industries in 2022
£126 billion
Revenue generated by the creative industries in 2022
Less than 1%
of State Schools offer Art History
33%
skills shortage
in the Creative Industries in 2022.
3%
of the workforce in UK galleries and museums in 2020 were from minority and ethnic backgrounds.
Valuable learning and skills development
Through the study of art history, the close observation of works of art and the understanding of history and social context, questions about the making, meaning and impact of art and how these have changed over time are addressed. Students develop the following critical skills:
Developed powers of critical observation and the ability to seek visual evidence to support understanding and theories.
Key communication skills including how to articulate and debate complicated concepts and descriptive communication skills.
Creative and critical thinking skills as well as curiosity, analytical skills and theoretical knowledge
Ability to make lateral connections across a broad spectrum of disciplines including politics, fashion, literature and music.
Developed cultural understanding which leads to increased empathy and citizenship.
Careers in Art History
Art History graduates go on to a wide range of jobs from working in the art market, museums and galleries to careers in television, film, publishing and journalism. Here some of our former students and art history graduates talk about the skills that they developed studying Art History and how it has informed their career.
The next generation of thinkers, curators and practitioners will include AHLU’s alumni.
Art History is under threat
We believe art history should be for everyone, however fewer than 1% of state supported secondary schools offer Art History A Level. As a result, there is a lack of diversity in the arts sector and an increasing skills shortage. We are the only charity offering formal Art History teaching to school-aged students from all backgrounds. Your financial support will ensure that everyone has an opportunity to study art history: together we can transform the future of the arts.
