Group art activities ‘ease depression and anxiety’ in older adults
Taking part in group art activities can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among older adults, according to a…
Posts
Co-creation of cultural projects boosts socio-economic inclusion, DCMS study finds
Co-creation and participatory practices are one of the most effective ways to engage audiences from lower socio-economic backgroun…
From setback to strategic renewal: How Havering is rewriting the rules
Mathew Russell and David Shearing are directors of Havering London. When their bid for London Borough of Culture was unsuccessful,…
A museum honouring the history of migration
Despite a world-class museum sector and a complex history of migration, Britain does not have a permanent museum exploring the mov…
Art as superpower: How Hastings harnesses creativity to build resilient communities
Perched on the English Channel, Hastings attracts considerable migration. But, as Dee Haughney shares, the work of a trailblazing…
Publicly funded arts: Equity, collective thinking and societal transformation
How can we promote fairness, spark collective imagination and work towards a more just and resilient future together? asks Rachel…
Legislative theatre and the civil society covenant
Katy Rubin, director of The People Act, considers how to bring government and citizens together into creative collaboration for ef…
Creative voices, activist voices: Stories of creative communities
To what extent can finding a creative voice unlock your wider civic activist voice? Dr Katy Pilcher and Fun Palaces’ Amie Taylor h…
Tackling isolation: Know your neighbourhood
Can creativity have an impact on the rising issue of loneliness and isolation? And if so, asks Jessica Plant of Creative Lives, ho…
Fundraising: Finding connection, creating empathy
When it comes to bid writing, many grant givers demand predicted impact. But for Lucie Davies and Alex Mayer, there is profound va…
Can creative practice catalyse policy change?
UP Projects aims to combine artistic excellence with social value. But, asks Emma Underhill, can it also influence…
Let’s talk about excellence: A view from social arts practice
A key question for the new government has to be how to create the conditions for artists of all backgrounds to flourish, argues Pa…
Creativity for creativity’s sake
Does your website give equal priority to main house shows and community events? Lauren James has some tips on how to use your webs…
Taking poetry to the people
Professional boxer and former Young Birmingham Poet Laureate Matt Windle has been working with a group of ‘hard-to-reach&rsq…
Campaign for equity in Scotland
There is significant under- and misrepresentation of the Black community in the creative industries. Emma Sithole of Be Unite…
We make the road by walking
Long-term Heart of Glass collaborator Chrissie Tiller reflects on working with the Merseyside-based NPO and how, by building deepe…
Community culture in Bradford gets £1m boost
Scores of community-led arts, culture and heritage initiatives in Bradford will get combined funding of £1m, it has been ann…
Residents to decide West Cumbria’s cultural spend
A citizens' jury of 30 West Cumbrian residents will advise and create a new cultural project with a budget of £100,…
Arts in health: What’s changed in 25 years?
The role of arts in healthcare settings has become part of the recognised creative landscape, but this is far from how things were…
Young people as changemakers
For ten years, The Agency has supported young people to create social change projects for their communities. Andrew Westle shares…
Everyday barriers to creativity
New guidance on Supporting Everyday Creativity has been released by Arts Council England. But, as Kirsty Lothian of Fun Palaces&nb…
Post-NPO life
Following the closure of the Bridge network earlier this year, and an unsuccessful bid for ACE funding, Nick Owen of The Mighty Cr…
Scottish communities to get creative funding boost
Communities in Scotland will receive more than £130k as part of a creative funding boost in the latest round of the National…
Women & Theatre at 40
Women & Theatre is celebrating 40 years of pioneering work. Founder member and Artistic Director Janice Connolly reflects on h…
