Catalogue description National Advisory Council on Art Education: Agenda, Minutes and Papers

The National Advisory Council on Art Education (NACAE) was established in 1958 by the Minister of Education following a report by the National Advisory Committee on Art Examinations in April 1957. The NACAE took over the functions of the National Advisory Committee on Art Examinations.

The first person to chair the NACAE was Sir William Coldstream and he was appointed by the Minister of Education. The vice-chair was selected by the NACAE from their own members. Other council members were eminent people in the art world and representatives of interested institutions and societies, local authorities and further education establishments.

The council's terms of reference were to advise the Minister of Education on all aspects of art education in FE establishments, except architectural education. It was hoped that the NACAE would raise the standard of art in FE establishments, end the central system of art examinations thus giving greater freedom to art schools, create a greater co-operation between art schools and industry to improve industrial designs.

All subcommittees and working parties created by the council reported to the council. There were two working groups set up by the council. The council reported to the Minister of Education and later the Secretary of Education and Science.

It held its first meeting in February 1959 and its last in December 1970, followed by the production of an unpublished report in 1971.