I studied at the V&A Academy as a diploma student in 2018–19. It was a brilliant experience. The teaching was exceptional, and I shared it with people from many walks of life. I saw what it means for a national museum to make serious study of art and design available to the public.

Imagine spending a morning learning about medieval art, then walking into the galleries with your lecturer to look closely at the objects you’ve just studied. That is what students can do at the V&A Academy. Coming to the museum also means having time to talk with classmates, ask questions and build friendships over a shared interest. Hybrid courses make it possible to keep those experiences while opening the same teaching to people who need to join online.

The V&A is considering deep cuts to the Academy. According to The Art Newspaper, around half the Academy’s staff could be affected and flagship hybrid courses are at risk. The staff who organise and deliver these courses make it possible for adults to learn from the museum’s collections week after week. Read the reporting

We call on the V&A Director and trustees to:

1. Pause the proposed cuts and commit to a substantial programme of in-person and hybrid adult courses at South Kensington.
2. Retain the staff and teaching expertise needed to deliver those courses and connect them to the museum’s collections.
3. Publish the case for the changes and meet with staff, students and alumni to consider alternatives, including keeping high-demand hybrid courses running while a longer-term plan is developed.

Public education has been part of the V&A’s purpose since its founding. Please sign and share this petition to help keep that purpose alive for the next generation of adult learners