Articulation Discovery Day is an initiative run by The National Gallery and takes place across the country, hosted by different institutions. It offers students a chance to take part in free workshops which focus on developing their analytical and public speaking skills. 

At Pallant House Gallery, the aim was to introduce students to the concept that ‘there are no wrong answers’ when talking about art. All students were encouraged to think independently, ask questions and interact with primary sources and industry professionals within the gallery space. 

The Gallery is committed to nurturing young people’s confidence and ambition. Throughout the day, the students received tours from curators, interacted with primary sources (preliminary sketches, photographs, etc.) and secondary sources (second-hand accounts such as books), and explored the many possibilities of a career in the arts. The aim of each exercise was to spark curiosity, show the breadth of arts-related pathways, and help students understand how to feel confident when talking about art. 

Our Curator Miriam O’Connor Perks and Curatorial Assistant Zef Ahmed introduced students to the recently opened Caroline Walker: Mothering exhibition, and our permanent collection. This included a deep-dive into three artworks from the collection which the students would later research, then present to gallery professionals. 

Head of Collections Sarah Norris provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how galleries preserve, document and research art and artists, by showcasing the preliminary sketches which paved the way for some of the gallery’s most precious collection of artworks. 

Honest conversations between students and gallery professionals gave insight into the many roles that operate within the gallery. Chief Curator Melanie Vandenbrouck joined Miriam O’Connor Perks, Zef Ahmed, Sarah Norris, Claire Walton and Mia Hoskins (Learning and Public Programmes) in sharing their creative career journeys. It was revealed that the path towards a career in the arts is not always linear, and that there are many routes one can take when working within this sector. 

Students were taught about the ‘5 P’s of public speaking’ and were empowered to talk confidently about their research, and present it to the Gallery team. 

One sixth former reflected: 

“I really enjoyed looking at individual pieces of art and hearing the findings of others. I also loved hearing about your personal careers – that was very helpful. Thank you for being kind and welcoming.” 

Feedback from teachers emphasised the safe and welcoming atmosphere created between students, teachers and Gallery staff on the day. 

“The Gallery was so welcoming and really friendly. They put the students at ease. A fantastic day!” 

Events such as Articulation Discovery Day play a vital role in showing young people (especially those in sixth form who are making critical decisions about their future) that there is serious, meaningful, and varied work to be done in the arts. 

The day highlighted how a gallery is a made up of an extremely varied team of individuals with different areas of expertise. By experiencing the inner workings of a gallery firsthand, students encountered the full spectrum of what ‘a life in the arts’ can look like. 

Articulation Discovery Day is now an annual fixture, and Pallant House Gallery looks forward to welcoming a new cohort of students next year. 

Click here to find out more about our Learning Programme.