I'm rubbish at art

Art teacher confidence in primary schools has long been cited as one of the many reasons why the quality of art education is on the decline. This is made apparent in Ben Cooper’s 2019 report for the Fabian Society that paints a grim picture of the current state of art and design provision in primary schools. As a lecturer in primary art education, the phrase ‘I am rubbish at art’ is a familiar statement from our undergraduate, generalist trainees when they first enter the art room. This has always fascinated me. Why do so many trainees feel so determined in their perceived lack of ability in art? What experiences have contributed to shaping this negative artistic identity? And what impact does this lack of confidence ultimately have on the children they go on to teach?