About

The Teachers’ Union (NASUWT) would like to invite your students to take part in our Arts and Minds competition. 

As a union we promote diversity and equality in all aspects of the teaching profession. We feel this is an exciting opportunity to talk about this theme with students. 
As a union we hear first-hand from teachers about the increase in misogyny, racism, anti-refugee, homo/transphobia in our classrooms. We are also seeing an increasingly polarised society which affects our students. With the launch of this competition The Teachers’ Union would like to bring those discussions around diversity and equality to the forefront.
If you would like your students to take part please register your interest by sending an email with your name and school to northeast@mail.nasuwt.org.uk 

Final Submission date: 12th June 2026. Please send or deliver your entries to NASUWT Regional Centre, Witney Way, Boldon Colliery, Tyne & Wear NE35 9PE.
The entries will be judged by a local artist and a member of the Equalities Committee. The winners will be invited to our event at the Durham Miners Gala on Friday 10th July where they will be presented with a cash prize and certificate.
There are 3 categories: Primary, Secondary, 6th Form. Each winner will receive  £50 for the student and £50 will go to the school’s Art Department.

Criteria:-

• A piece of art that shows the students’ understanding of Diversity and Equality. 

• Equality, Diversity, Age, Sexual Orientation, Pregnancy, Maternity, Sex, Religion, Belief, Gender Reassignment, Race, Ethnicity, Marriage, Civil Partnership, Disability.

• Entries can be made by more than one person but the prize is split. One entry per person. The entry can take a variety of forms: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture etc.

If you would like any further information about the competition please contact northeast@mail.nasuwt.org.uk 

Please find attached a poster you can use to promote the competition within your school.