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Write on Art, the national programme from Art UK and the Paul Mellon Centre, is calling for young people aged 13–19 to write creatively, critically and personally about art - with organisers keen to reach more schools and students across the North.
We love it when a young person (or anyone actually) shows a bit of confidence from learning to trust their own response to a work of art.
Not the textbook answer or a teacher's idea. Not the approved interpretation - or the the phrase designed to satisfy an examiner. But the moment when a young person looks carefully, thinks deeply, and realises that what they see - and how they describe it - is important.
That is the spirit behind Write on Art, the national writing programme from Art UK and the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, which is now open for applications until Tuesday 21 July 2026.
In its ninth year, the programme invites young people aged 13–19 to choose an artwork from the Art UK website and write about it in a way that feels meaningful to them. Entries can take the form of creative writing, a review, or an essay - recognising that art writing does not belong to one voice, one background or one academic pathway.
For MagNorth, the northern reach matters.
The organisers are particularly keen this year to connect with more schools and young people across the North - a region full of galleries, museums, public collections, independent artists, visual histories and creative talent, but where access to arts opportunities can still feel uneven.
Programmes like this are not just about prizes. They are about permission: permission for young people to take art seriously, to take their own ideas seriously, and to see writing as something they are allowed to do.
Entrants are asked to select one artwork from Art UK’s online collection and write a response. Younger writers aged 13–16 can submit up to 400 words, while older writers aged 17–19 can submit up to 600 words.
Twelve successful applicants will receive a goody bag worth £100 and be invited to attend a day-long Young Art Writers Workshop at the Royal College of Art in autumn 2026. The workshop will include writing sessions, mentoring from industry professionals and the creation of a zine featuring the shortlisted pieces.
For two overall winners, there is also support for their educational establishment to spend on art-related activity.
At a time when arts education is too often treated as optional, Write on Art feels like a timely reminder that looking, thinking and writing are serious skills - and that young people do not need to wait for permission to begin.
For northern schools, teachers, youth groups, galleries and young writers themselves, this is an opportunity worth sharing.
Write on Art is open for applications until 10am on Tuesday 21 July 2026.
More details and entry information are available HERE
Header image: Students at Pallant House Gallery for the Write on Art workshop (Chris Ison)
