Working in close collaboration with the annual Exhibitions Programme, the Gallery's Education Department aims to communicate some of the rich stylistic diversity of contemporary art from all cultures around the world to students aged from less than six years old to others who are over sixty. Since the groups who visit the Gallery to view and interact with the exhibitions are composed of participants from widely divergent ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, the innovative workshops given by artists from around the world can serve as a validation of the childrens' very different cultural heritages and inspire in many a sense of pride in their own cultural roots.

During 2001 the Education Department was able to offer a programme of workshops that included painting, photo-collage, sculpture, music, theatre and even knot-making classes, attracting new audiences by constantly exploring new avenues of communicating with young people.

Over 1,600 participants took part in some 65 hands-on workshops held both at the Gallery and at schools in some of London's outer Borough schools.

The Education Department continues to work to break down the many invisible barriers which can exist between young people and art galleries.