School visits
School visits
Bring learning to life through art
Inspire your students with a creative visit to Midlands Arts Centre (MAC).
Our new Schools Programme combines engaging exhibitions with hands-on artist-led workshops, giving Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils the opportunity to explore art, develop new creative skills and make their own artwork to take back to the classroom.
Each visit is designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and discussion while supporting learning through visual arts.
What's included?
A two and a half hour session, available Monday, Wednesday or Fridays (9.30am - 12pm & 12.30pm - 2pm).
Every school visit includes:
- A 1-hour practical workshop led by one of MAC's experienced Artist Tutors
- A 30-minute break
- A 1-hour self-guided exhibition visit with an age-appropriate activity worksheet
Group sizes
£220 (+VAT) per session | £400 (+VAT) for two sessions.
One group
One class can be a maximum of 30 pupils with a minimum of two accompanying teachers. The pupils will be split into two groups, that will rotate between the workshop and gallery activities.
Two groups
Bring two classes of 30 pupils each for a full day trip. Classes will take it in turns to participate in MAC led activities in the morning session (9.30am - 12pm) or the afternoon session (12.30pm - 2pm). A space can be provided for teacher-led activities and lunch for the class not in activities. Groups can also make use of the facilities in Cannon Hill Park, weather permitting.
What's on
Explore Surrealism (Sep - Dec 2026)
Fanciful, outrageous and playful, surrealism is the perfect art movement to spark creativity in young minds! Students will explore MAC’s Surreal Season exhibitions includingEmmy Bridgwater and Birmingham Surrealists, Surreal Solihull, and Surreal Creatures Family Art Trail, following a specially designed worksheet.
In a hands-on workshop, led by one of MAC’s dedicated Artist Tutors, they will learn the basics of creating their very own surrealist collage to take home.
Paintings and Portraiture (Feb - Apr 2027)
This Spring, experience two very different exhibitions featuring portraits.
- Local artist Andrew Tift’s incredibly detailed portraits capture people of faith from across the city in his exhibitionThe Faith Project.
- Many Storiesfeatures paintings from British South Asian artists exploring a wide range of topics.
Students will explore both exhibitions following a specially designed worksheet. In a hands-on workshop, led by one of MAC’s dedicated Artist Tutors, they will learn the basics of portraiture creating a self-portrait to take home.
How to book
To enquire about booking a schools visit, please email our friendly Learning Team with the following information:
- Your preferred dates – please provide three possible dates
- Year group – the year group(s) of the pupils attending
- Group size – the total number of pupils attending
Our team will then check availability and get back to you to discuss your visit and confirm the booking.
Image gallery
Risk assessments
Read our Groups Risk Assessment. If you have any other queries please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Great Facilities
MAC is wheelchair accessible and has step-free access to all our spaces. We have two lifts and accessible toilets on every level. Our building offers a variety of seating areas.
There is a large car park for coaches/ mini buses right next to MAC - please note that this is owned and managed by Birmingham City Council and charges apply.