Remembering Paul Collard

Wednesday, 12th November 2025

In memory of our dear friend

Paul was a man who had an unquestionably significant impact on arts education and cultural learning, both in the UK and globally. His extraordinary body of work combined strategic leadership, research, pedagogy and relentless advocacy with tangible action at unprecedented scale.

Because of Paul, in England alone more than a million children and young people had a creative education. He was a visionary, working at the forefront of creative and cultural education to influence both policy and practice. 

Paul was an intrinsic to the history of Curious Minds too. Having been instrumental in the Creative Partnerships, he then helped to establish strategic infrastructure for the sector beyond the programme. His legacy lives on in Curious Minds, and the other organisations around the country who carry that flame to this day.

We were delighted, in 2024, to present Paul with the Changemaker Award at the Northern Cultural Education Awards. This Award was jointly chosen by the CEO and Chair of Curious Minds in recognition of his lifetimes work. Paul accepted his award from Thailand, where he was working at the time, and we invite you to watch Paul accept that award as we remember him.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with Paul’s loving family, friends and colleagues.