Hayward Gallery Schools Takeovers
Giving primary and secondary school children a unique insight into the work of artists, curators and galleries
Our Schools Takeovers are led by a Takeover Team; a class of students who work closely with our artist educators to plan a Takeover Day in the Hayward Gallery.
These teams (up to 30 students for primary schools, up to 20 students for secondary schools) take an in-depth look at the exhibition content, devise related activities, and ultimately take a lead in delivering their mini-workshops and activities on the Takeover Day. They are ‘in charge’ and do everything from introducing the day, to running the activities, and escorting the visiting schools to each of their mini-events.
Visiting schools attend the resulting Takeover Day, in which they tour the exhibition and participate in activities inspired by it, led by the Takeover Team. These days are uniquely fun and engaging peer-learning opportunities for schools to get the most out of a creative gallery visit that puts young peoples’ ideas at the heart of the day.
How to book
If you’d like to participate in one of our Hayward Gallery Schools Takeover Days, either as The Takeover Team, or in attendance at the Takeover Day, please contact our team for more information.
What are the benefits of participating in Hayward Gallery Schools Takeovers?
Through this experience, the Takeover Team:
- get exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the Hayward Gallery and work closely with professional artist facilitators, curators and art handlers
- gain in-depth knowledge of the current exhibition at the Hayward Gallery, developing ideas about the artworks, artists, mediums, curatorial themes, artistic techniques and roles involved in exhibition making
- develop leadership, planning, and presentation skills to guide, support, and deliver the day for their peers
- receive a certificate of achievement to recognise their creative and personal growth and development
- receive a ‘Takeover Team’ t-shirt to keep.
What are the aims of Hayward Gallery Schools Takeovers?
The aims of our school takeovers are to:
- provide an opportunity for students to contribute and develop deeper knowledge and understanding of the artist(s), techniques, and context explored in the exhibition
- support students in gaining practical experience in the studio techniques related to the exhibition
- help students to develop greater understanding of the career opportunities at a gallery and arts centre and to experience and contribute to these roles firsthand
- facilitate experiences for young people to gain confidence by stepping into a leadership role and sharing their knowledge with others, taking ownership of their own learning.