HC Deb 02 December 2002 vol 395 c534W
Nick Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many educational sessions undertaken by arts organisations took place in(a) 199–99, (b) 1999–2000, (c) 2000–01 and (d) 2001–02; and if she will make a statement. [83752]

Dr. Howells

In 2001–02, arts organisations funded by the Arts Council of England and the Regional Arts Boards provided more than 200,000 education sessions and workshops for adults and children.

In addition to this, from April 2002 we are investing£40 million in Creative Partnerships. This programme is bringing together schools and cultural institutions across 16 deprived areas of England, enabling young people and their teachers to work on sustained creative projects.

There are no figures available for earlier years.