ISIS Arts runs Northumberland’s first dedicated Arts in Education Agency.

ISIS works closely with Northumberland LEA to develop and extend the important role of artists within schools and across the whole curriculum.

The agency aims to contribute to school improvement and raising standards through a diverse programme of activities. It aims to explore cultural identity and diversity, promote the creative use of new technologies and support the continued development of professional artists working within schools.

In the last year 48 professional artists across a range of art forms worked with 38 schools in Northumberland and around 1000 children and young people experienced working with an artist.

Projects such as Home, Space for Sport and Arts Digital Residency, Changes and Thinking for Learning Pilot Project are offering pupils and staff the opportunity to work closely with artists over sustained periods of time.

ISIS 'Open Call' is the small grants scheme for schools in the county.

The residency programme is supplemented by support, training and advice to schools, agencies and artists across the county.

Training has been an integral part of the programme - inset, governor teacher and artists training is carried out or supported. In 2001 we initiated the North East's first Artist Mentoring Scheme, in partnership with The Forge, Durham's Arts in Education Agency.

It is supported and funded by Northumberland LEA and Arts Council North East and is overseen by a steering group made up of the partners, LADA officers (Local Arts Development Agencies) and a head-teacher.