Sackler Centre for arts education at the V&A

The Sackler Centre is the V&A's centre for public learning through creative design and the arts, inspired by the Museum and the breadth of its collections. It is one of its most innovative spaces including:

• State-of-the art design, digital and art studios for workshops, courses and drop-in programmes
• Residency studios
• Seminar rooms for courses, study days and seminars
• Auditorium for debates, lectures, talks, conferences, live performances and outside broadcasts

Innovative programmes for schools, students, families, young people and adults are developed upon a unique triangle of resources – the V&A's collections and staff, the expertise of creative professionals, and the skills of our visitors. The Sackler Centre provides a space for debate on the current issues of design and its place in society, alongside opportunities to learn new skills, both digital and traditional.

Everyone has talent. The Centre harnesses that talent – making creativity a force in the lives of current visitors as well as new audiences. Every visitor to the V&A will be given the opportunity to take the knowledge and inspiration they get from our collections, and use it for creative practice in the Centre.

The new and innovative Museum Residency Programme at the V&A is based in the Sackler Centre and gives designers, writers, makers, musicians and artists of all kinds the opportunity to have a studio in the Museum for six months. Two studios in the Centre provide space for four 6-month residents each year, and a further fully equipped studio in the new Ceramics Galleries offers space for resident ceramicists. Using these studios as a base, residents have access to the V&A's unique resources including the extensive collections, curatorial and conservation expertise, practical art, design and digital media workshops in the Sackler Centre and experienced educational and outreach staff. Residents use these resources to develop their careers, carry out research, make new work and acquire or increase their experience of working with the public.

The Sackler Centre is also available for daytime and evening hire