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ART BELONGS EVERYWHERE
Art changes how children see the world. And themselves.
That’s why EARNT has teamed up with Frieze and the legendary Sir Michael Craig-Martin to bring bold colour and big ideas directly into a state school.
Sir Michael has designed a vibrant mural to spill Frieze’s creative energy beyond the marquee and onto school walls, proving that world-class art belongs everywhere kids learn and play.
As always, we need your help to make it happen. So now it’s your turn: sign up, pick up a brush, add your stroke, and help transform a school because you’ll be painting and installing this world first (we are planning to do LOTS of these). Not only do you get to say you were part of this artwork but you’ll earn a coveted ticket to Frieze London while you’re at it.
BRIGHT COLOURS. BRIGHTER FUTURES
Known for his signature use of bold colours and graphic mark making, Sir Michael Craig-Martin has designed a unique, large-scale mural that EARNT volunteers will paint in a London school.
Together, we will turn a school wall into a burst of colour and inspiration for all the little people who will get to enjoy it and be inspired by it every single day.
“I know, from experience, that my use of vivid colours speaks directly to school age children and encourages them to explore their own natural creative instincts. The arts are an essential part of a rich and productive education, fostering the development of a child’s imagination, self-awareness and self-confidence, while simultaneously encouraging diversity and social empathy.
It is a sad irony that those lacking most in creative imagination seem to be the ones passing the laws limiting access for ordinary children in state-funded schools. All of the arts – painting, dance, music, theatre - should be returned to the school curriculum immediately.” - Sir Michael Craig-Martin
A Craig-Martin masterpiece and access to the art world’s hottest fair? Count us in.
When and Where?
Saturday 11th October @ 10am-1pm
Barnes Primary Schooll, Cross Street, London
What?
You’ll help us install Sir Michael’s bespoke mural for Barnes Primary.
As we’re there, we’ll also be helping the school with a few other jobs to keep them doing what they do best and giving the children a school they can be proud of.
The ETY
A ticket to Freize London -details to be confirmed
BARNES PRIMARY SCHOOL
Why is it so important to help government-funded schools?
Schools across the country are under huge pressure—fewer pupils, more students with additional needs, and the rising cost of just about everything.
Most of what little funding they do have goes exactly where it should: directly to the kids—extra support staff, basic supplies, books. What that doesn’t leave room for is the stuff that helps schools feel like inspiring, safe and cared-for places to learn.
“ State schools across the country are facing some of the most difficult budget cuts we’ve ever had to deal with. To have the offer of a mural and something to make the teachers’ and children’s lives brighter is incredibly moving.
We first worked with EARNT back in 2022 and since then they’ve delivered 50–100 volunteers annually to carry out maintenance; we estimate they’ve saved the school around £35,000 so far. What is really special is seeing the community rally round us (rather than us constantly having to ask the parents and teachers for help!).” - Ms Sue Jepsen