2002 saw the debut of Big Arts Week, but the National Children’s Art Day was having its third anniversary. This day, like Big Arts Week, is supported by the Clore Duffield Foundation, a grant giving organisation that concentrates its support on education, the arts, health and social welfare and who place particular emphasis on supporting children, young people and society’s more vulnerable individuals through the charities that work to educate, empower, inspire and care for them. The purpose of National Children’s Art Day is to encourage children to encounter and engage with art as much as possible, both in and out of school and as a viewer as well as maker. Last year the day was celebrated with three short films that were shown on Channel 4 in the run up to the event. More than 150 museums, galleries and art centres throughout the country joined in, allowing thousands of children to participate in the event. A grant by the Clore Duffield Foundation to more than fifty of these helped to ensure a widespread distribution of activities. A range of colourful stickers and postcards were produced to celebrate Art Day as well and these featured children enjoying art works in a variety of locations.

This year’s event takes place on 3rd July, again, during Big Arts Week and this should guarantee that as many children as possible are able to experience the diverse world of art firsthand and to be inspired and entertained by what they discover. The next generation of artists starts here.