Can art be good for you?
Find out what’s happening in our brain when we look at and make art. For all ages. (8 minute video)
Art is a tool that can help us make sense of the world around us. Teachers and artists agree that education and art have 3 key things in common: they help us develop a sense of self; they help us to think and they help our wellbeing. Use the following resources, videos and slide shows to explore identity, critical thinking and wellbeing within the curriculum.
Health & Wellbeing
Visual language is a powerful form of communication that can help us connect, express feelings or ideas and develop our mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. These resources explore the health benefits of art in a variety of ways: from the science behind how art helps us feel good, to slowing down, noticing and making sense of the world around us.
Outdoor learning
Motivate learners with these 10 simple challenges that can be used in any outdoor space. For all ages.
How to look at art
Simple prompts to start a conversation about any artwork. For all ages.
Literacy and numeracy
Inspire learners to develop their numeracy and literacy skills with these tried and tested activities.
The beauty of maths
Inspire learning about maths, through art. For early, first and second levels.
How to look at art
Simple prompts to start a conversation about any artwork. For all ages.
Learning through pictures
Find out how pictures can inspire cross-curricular learning. These popular activities have proven effective for all ages.
Maths in motion
This resource offers six activities to ignite interest in both maths and art. For early, first and second level.
Self Identity
These resources look beyond visual appearance, to question who we are and who we could become. A self-portrait can reveal so much more than the way we look. What shapes who we are and how we see ourselves?
What is a portrait?
Listen to artists, gallery staff and visitors describing what a portrait is to them. For all ages. (4 minute video)
Scottish Identity
Use images to explore Scottish identity. For second, third, fourth and senior levels.
Careers in the visual arts
Raise awareness of jobs within the visual arts. For second, third, fourth and senior levels.
Why are there so few female artists?
Find out why you’re likely to see more men than women in galleries. Recommended for third, fourth and senior levels. (9 minute video)
Critical Thinking & Making
Creativity and employability are linked. Children and young people need opportunities to take ownership of their own learning and thinking if they are to thrive in our rapidly changing world. These practical activities encourage learners to think for themselves and develop their creativity skills: curiosity, open-mindedness, problem-solving and imagination.
Good art | Who decides?
Use these tried and tested actvities to explore the value of art. Recommended for second, third and fourth levels.
Does a portrait need a face?
Explore ideas about identity and portraiture. Recommended for second, third and fourth levels.
The beauty of maths
Inspire learning about maths, through art. For early, first and second levels.
What is art for?
Use this short film as a starting point to explore and expand your group's ideas about art. For all ages. (6 minute video)
How to create your visual voice
Help learners express ideas or protest injustice effectively. Contains reference to school shootings. For first level and above. (5 minute video)
Learning through pictures
Find out how pictures can inspire cross-curricular learning. These popular activities have proven effective for all ages.
10 things to do in a gallery
Nobody else sees art the way you do. Here are 10 ideas to help you look and start a conversation. For all ages.
Who decides the value of art?
This short film introduces the idea that art is worth more than money. For third, fourth and senior levels. (8 minute video)
Scotland and chattel slavery through art
Introduce Scotland's links to chattel slavery, with reference to formerly enslaved activist Frederick Douglass. For third, fourth and senior levels.
Make and Resist
Three art activities inspired by artists of colour, to help explore injustice and bring about change in society. Recommended for third, fourth and senior levels.
How to experiment
Practical guides to using everyday materials, demonstrating experiments with cardboard, ink, pencil, 3D and outdoor art. For all ages. (A series of 3-6 minute videos)
Art & artists
Dig deeper into the world of art and artists with these short films, biographies and articles.
Glossary
Our online art glossary provides context for the terminology used on our site. Explore over 50 terms and discover related artists and artworks.
What is...?
A series of accessible short films introducing art terms, movements & styles including: the Avant-garde, Cubism, Dada, Expressionism, Impressionism, Pop Art, Surrealism and Symbolism.
Questions about Art
In this series of five films we explore some frequent musings about art - using questions asked by our audiences. What makes a painting iconic? Why aren't there more female artists? Why can’t I touch artworks ?
Artist In Profile
These videos aim to give an insight into the spaces where artists create their work, and the places that inspire them.
ARTIST ROOMS Learning resources
ARTIST ROOMS is a collection of modern and contemporary art and includes major bodies of work by more than 40 international artists. These Learning resources are for teachers, educators and students working with the ARTIST ROOMS collection.
Roy Lichtenstein
Louise Bourgeois
Ed Ruscha
Joseph Beuys
Learning & Engagement contact details
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