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January 2024 - Culture and Heritage

Pupils from lower socio-economic backgrounds are less likely to have visited a museum in the past year: Research conducted by YouGov for the national charity Art Fund has found that children from higher socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to have visited a museum in the last year than those with lower socio-economic status. 

Among over 1,000 children aged 6-15 years, the data shows that only 52% of pupils from lower socio-economic status backgrounds have visited a museum in the past year, in contrast to 70% from higher socio-economic backgrounds.

The research also highlighted that nearly half (45%) of children with parents who are unemployed or not working have not visited a museum in the past year. Pupils from lower socio-economic backgrounds were also less likely to be taken to a museum by their school (34%) compared to their peers from higher socio-economic backgrounds (47%).

Inequity in museum access is further compounded by regional disparities, found the research, with pupils from London (75%) significantly more likely to have visited a museum in the past year compared to those living in the Midlands or Wales (57%) and Northern England or Scotland (60%).

The research aligns with findings from Art Fund's survey of educators conducted by Teacher Tapp, which revealed that a third (36%) of teachers across the UK are taking pupils to museums less frequently than before the pandemic. This percentage increased to 40% for teachers in the Midlands and North West, as compared to 31% in London.

Overall, the survey found that one in three (35%) children have not visited a museum in the past year. Teachers play a pivotal role in influencing a child’s exposure to museums, says Art Fund, which is why it has introduced the Teacher Art Pass which provides teachers with the advantages of Art Fund's National Art Pass at a significantly subsidised rate, including free entry to over 250 museums, galleries, and historic houses. 

Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund, said:

"Our research has revealed real disparity in pupils’ access to museums across the country. Children’s ability to enjoy museums, galleries and historical places shouldn’t be determined by their socio-economic status or geographical location.

"At Art Fund we believe all young people should have the opportunity to build their cultural confidence, develop their creative capacity and reach their full potential. We want to support teachers, who play such a vital role in pupils’ lives, and we know that visiting museums can also help improve their own wellbeing."

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