Partners

Challenging Systemic Bias in Education

Ace CIC is a purpose-led organisation committed to addressing the deep-rooted marginalisation of the arts within UK education. At its heart is a mission to challenge the systemic bias that positions art as less valuable than so-called "core" subjects like maths and science. But Ace CIC's work goes further-unpacking the intersectional discrimination that impacts how art is perceived and accessed across lines of sex, culture, and perceived intellect.

For many young people-particularly those who are female, neurodivergent, working class, or from global majority backgrounds-art is not framed as a serious, intelligent, or viable pursuit (recent research has shown, very clearly these biases are embedded within society, culture and the education system).  These harmful assumptions diminish opportunity, stifle talent, slow progression and reinforce elitist narratives that restrict who is seen as creative or capable.  

Empowering Students, Parents, and Teachers

Ace CIC works to dismantle these narratives by creating tools, campaigns, and networks that empower communities, students, parents, educators, and arts institutions alike. Its platform supports meaningful engagement, accessible pathways, and visibility for the arts as an intellectually rigorous and culturally vital field.

Rather than a learning platform, Ace CIC functions as a connective network-offering in house programmes, resources, events, localised tools, and shared spaces for navigating and challenging arts bias across education and beyond.

The Economic Case for Serious Arts Education

Arts education is not just a cultural necessity-it is a critical driver of the UK economy.  From visual arts and design to heritage, digital innovation and performance, the sector sustains jobs, drives exports, and boosts community wellbeing across the country.  The creative industries contribute £49 billion in gross value added and generate over £140 billion in total annual revenues. 

Despite this, the number of students choosing art and creative subjects continues to fall-due to stigma, cuts, and misinformed policy decisions. This trend threatens not just our cultural ecosystem, but one of the most powerful economic engines in the UK.

For the sector to remain dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive, more-not fewer-young people must be supported to pursue the arts. Investing in arts education is not a luxury-it is an economic imperative.

A Future-Facing Vision

Ace CIC advocates for a rebalanced education system that values creativity, questions inequality, and connects cultural opportunity to every learner. By bridging the gap between schools and the creative industries, and reframing the arts as essential to both individual and national success, it is building a movement that champions creativity as a force for progress, inclusion, and transformation.

Its ultimate goal: a society where every young person-regardless of background-is supported in seeing art not just as an option, but as a legitimate, rigorous, and empowering pursuit.