Established in 1968 by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, the Children’s Book Award is unique in that the winners are chosen entirely by children. Our Society funded the purchase of the shortlisted (top ten) books for four participating schools: Lacock Primary School, Aloeric Primary School in Melksham, Derry Hill Primary and Silverwood campus in Chippenham (part of Wiltshire for SEND pupils).

The project was enthusiastically received by both pupils and teachers and we plan to build on this success next year. We will be looking for volunteers to visit schools between March and May 2027 to share picture books with children. The award ceremony celebrating the winners can be viewed on YouTube by clicking this link . The overall winner was Pablo and Splash: Roman Holiday by Sheena Dempsey.

The Children’s Book Award has been an important contribution to the National Year of Reading 2026.

The Society supported Corsham Regis Primary Academy’s entry into the national Art Bytes competition, which provides young people with an opportunity to exhibit their artwork online. This year’s themes were linked to studies of the 1960s and 1970s, and we are delighted that one of the pupils was selected as the overall winner, collecting his prize at a ceremony held at the Holburne Museum in Bath.

“I would like to thank you for all the wonderful support the Arts Society has given Corsham Regis Primary Academy over the past few years. The funding for resources has made a real difference to the pupils, and the Y5s have really enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the Art Bytes competition and virtual art gallery.

Headteacher, Corsham Primary School.

Thanks to our Society’s support, the Young Arts Lecture Programme was launched in September 2025. Since then, students have enjoyed lectures and workshops led by artists of international standing.

Highlights have included Doug Gillen’s energetic session on street art; Anthony Penrose’s fascinating insights into the life and work of his mother, the renowned photographer and surrealist artist, Lee Miller; and illustrator Calum Heath’s practical workshop.

If Opera continues to deliver mini-opera workshops in local primary schools. Led by professional singers and composers, these sessions encourage children to create lyrics, learn songs and perform their own productions on stage. The final performance, shared with parents and teachers, is always a joy to witness. We not only support these workshops but also coaching for young opera singers at the start of their professional careers.

For more information visit: https://www.ifopera.com/schools

Wiltshire Rural Music

Continuing our support for local music we have also established a new partnership with Wiltshire Rural Music to provide bursaries for talented young musicians. Our Treasurer has donated two musical instruments to the charity and anyone wishing to donate unwanted instruments should contact Ann Marie Cooper at: young.arts.tasnw@gmail.com

Many members will remember Vinh Dao’s inspiring presentation on his student’s photography in July 2025.

Society funding has enabled the department to buy specialist equipment and chemicals, broadening students’ practical experience and technical skills. Our continued support will allow the introduction of film photography at GCSE level and provide the materials needed for students to explore traditional photographic processes. A plaque acknowledging The Society’s contribution is now displayed within the department.

Over the past year, Wiltshire Museum has staged two outstanding exhibitions: Downlands: Art and Archaeological Imagination in Wiltshire, curated by Rose Ferraby, and John Piper in the South Country. We have been delighted to support both exhibitions and offered members a special talk and guided tour led by the Director of Wiltshire Museum.

Our support also helped fund Wiltshire Museum’s summer street art programme, led by artist Nick Halahan, for teenagers at risk of offending, together with craft workshops for children from low-income families. We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership over the next few years as preparations are made for Wiltshire Museum’s move to the historic Devizes Assize Court.