The National Arts Education Archive was established in 1985 to provide a documentary trace of the development of arts education in the UK and worldwide, by collecting children’s and students' work and the papers, letters and work of key educators and artists in the visual arts, music and language. YSP has managed the Archive since 2009.
This material, comprising more than 100 catalogued collections, is based in the purpose-built Lawrence Batley Centre on the former Bretton Hall College campus and is available to researchers, lecturers and the general public by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays each week. Staff and volunteers at the NAEA regularly curate exhibitions from the collection – exhibition opening times vary.
The NAEA offers placement opportunities to Higher Education students. The length of placements can vary, from one or two weeks, to four months. Students from The University of Leeds and from The Ruskin School of Art, Oxford have benefitted from these opportunities in the past. Other than contributing to the work of the NAEA and following up personal research interests using the collections, students spend time in other departments at YSP. This provides insight into behind-the-scenes operations and helps students to consider different career options within the creative industries.
To find the NAEA, pick up a free Welcome & Map leaflet at YSP – it is a short walk from the Red Car Park at YSP Learning. Please note, major construction is underway around the area surrounding the Archive.