top of page

DIY Arts Award with Pastel & Smudge CIC

Flexible, creative qualifications for young artists aged under 7 to 25

Sketching Artist

Welcome to DIY Arts Award

At Pastel and Smudge CIC, we believe everyone should have the chance to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and gain recognition for their achievements. Our DIY Arts Award gives you the freedom to complete your award at your own pace, in your own way — with friendly guidance and support from a qualified Arts Award adviser. Whether you love painting, photography, music, drama, dance, crafts, writing, or digital arts, you can use your passion to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

What is Arts Award?

Arts Award is a set of unique qualifications that help children and young people grow as artists and creative leaders.

Through the programme, they develop key skills for life today:

  • 🎨 Creativity – exploring and making art in their own way

  • ⭐ Leadership – planning and sharing ideas with others

  • 🔎 Reflection – thinking about their progress and learning

  • 💬 Communication – expressing themselves with confidence

Arts Award is open to anyone aged 25 and under, whatever their background or interests. It encourages independence, builds confidence, and prepares young people for further study, creative careers, or a lifelong love of the arts.

👉 Find out more on the Arts Award website

Why Choose Our DIY Arts Award?

Our DIY Arts Award is designed to be flexible, supportive, and welcoming for every young person.

  • ⏳ Flexible pacing – fit your award around your own schedule

  • 🎨 Inclusive – open to all art forms and all abilities

  • 🤝 Personal support – 1:1 planning meeting plus optional check-ins

  • 💻 Easy to access – complete everything online from anywhere

  • 🌟 Encouraging environment – we celebrate your unique style and ideas

We are proudly inclusive
Pastel & Smudge CIC is neurodivergent-led, and we believe creativity belongs to everyone. We welcome participants of all abilities and backgrounds, including disabled, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent young people. Whatever support you need, we’ll work with you to make sure your Arts Award is accessible, supportive, and a positive experience.

Anime Drawing

How It Works

Step 1: Choose Your Level
🎯 Pick the award that’s right for you – from Discover to Gold.

Step 2: Book Your Place & Get Your DIY Pack
📅 Once you book, we’ll arrange your 30-minute planning meeting and give you access to your private Google Drive pack with everything you need to get started.

Step 3: Create Your Portfolio
🖌️ Work through the creative tasks at your own pace and record your progress. You’ll have ongoing support from your Arts Award Adviser via email and Google Drive feedback throughout.

Step 4: Submit for Assessment
✅ When your portfolio is complete, we’ll assess your work and arrange moderation.

Step 5: Celebrate Your Success
🏆 Receive your official printed Arts Award certificate in the post!

​

💡 Optional: Add 30-minute check-in sessions whenever you’d like extra support (£15 each).

Award levels & Pricing

bottom of page