Do you have to have insurance to run an art class?

The short answer is "Yes" - insurance is needed for an art class because the public are involved.

ARTIST RUN WORKSHOPS AND ART CLASSES

• - 3rd party public liability insurance cover for host premises (check whether this is included in the rental or not)
• - 3rd party public liability for students in art workshops you're running
• Insurance for Art and Artists

The reason is because if you are running a commercial activity involving the public you owe them a duty of care as a third party.  In other words if somebody has an accident or does something really stupid/hazardous while in your class and/or using equipment or materials under your instruction and/or on your premises then the person they are going to sue for damages - under public liability - is YOU!

Public liability insurance protects an artist from legal claims if someone is injured as a result of their professional activities.
a-n

The next question is WHO needs to have the insurance.

In general, if you are teaching in an educational establishment - like an art school or a gallery providing workshops - then the venue will have (or SHOULD have!) an insurance policy which covers all its legal public liabilities including third party cover.  

Consequently if you are employed by the school you probably have nothing to worry about so long as you

• conform to all rules and regulations relating to professional practice / health and safety - and
• make sure your students do the same

However if your conduct falls short and you break the rules or encourage your students in risky behaviour you may well find that you are not covered and you're on your own!

However if you work on a contracted basis for a fee you might want to check whether you are covered by their insurance or not

If you run your own classes then you very definitely need cover. You should also check personally on the third party public liability cover and status of any venues you use. Particularly if there are any hazards or risks associated with any materials or equipment being used.

To find out about the many and varied reasons artists need insurance take a look at

• my webpage on the topic Insurance for Art and Artists.
• A-n | ​Get covered: why artists need to have insurance and how a-n can help
• UK Craft Fairs | Organising and running arts and crafts events

Students in one of my workshops at the Mall Galleries. The Galleries hosted the event and provided the equipment - and they carry the public liability cover.