In this paper we examine the purposes and background of the Saturday Morning Art (S.M.ART) Programme for Primary Level children which was developed in the Art Education Unit at the National Institute of Education, Singapore. It is a differentiated programme and we discuss the issues of selection for the programme, testing for artistic talent as well as the rationale, content and background of the project. Within this context, the value of the programme for our students, the children and ourselves are discussed. Additionally, a theoretical basis which is supported by our practice within the S.M.ART project, is provided for art educators considering alternatives to testing for artistic ability.