How small pots of money went a long way during Bradford's special year Read more
How do we make sure the arts really are accessible to all? Read more
Find out how local creative groups can collaborate with this friendly UK-wide network Read more
Meet two Scottish-based multicultural groups who are finding strength in numbers Read more
The mission of Creative Lives is to build creative communities, and as part of that we work to bring local stories of creativity to a wider public audience.
Local creative groups - by which we mean not-for-profit, volunteer-led groups whose creative activities are shaped and directed by the people who take part in them - naturally create a range of benefits for individual participants and their communities. These benefits include increasing confidence, skills, and wellbeing; strengthening mental health, community cohesion, and social connections; as well as fostering civic action, pride, and identity.
The impact of local creative groups is wider than the cultural activity they take part in, but these groups can also find it challenging to make their voices heard. Our ongoing collection of stories of creativity from local creative groups across the UK and Ireland is one of the ways we work to amplify those voices.
Read our series of case studies demonstrating how participation in local creativity improves social connection Read more
Made in Merton and Little Ark scoop our latest prize Read more
Read our series of case studies showcasing creative partnerships that have borne fruit. Read more
Celebrating the power of 'pretty and practical' crafting Read more
What role can creativity play in helping us talk about death and bereavement? Read more
The debut performance of a seed-funded project in Edenderry Read more
Exhibition at Reading train station brightens up journeys for local residents Read more
Meet the community food growing programme in Reading fostering creativity, caring and sharing Read more
Meet the groups using Creative Lives micro-grants to help celebrate Rotherham's special year Read more
North Wales group celebrates passing the 10-year milestone Read more
Create a new cultural highlight in your town's calendar! Read our guide to setting up an artist trail or open studio Read more
We speak to two community artists about how can drawing can help us be more mindful and relaxed Read more
What winning a Creative Lives Award meant for a community group from Scotland. Read more
Find out about this fascinating organisation that's passionate about traditional craft skills. Read more
How a Reading art group uses the shop to spread joy in their community Read more
Find out how our small grants in Scotland helped local creative groups Read more
A wonderful display of work by amateur and semi-professional artists that toured Scotland Read more
How a county-wide knitting challenge helped Nottinghamshire people living with dementia. Read more
Amateur ukulele players aged 55+ sharing the joy of playing together at St Radigunds Community Centre in Dover Read more
Powerful community project telling the stories behind Easington Welfare Centre, County Durham Read more
Inspiring stories and quick creative activities to boost your wellbeing, reduce stress and improve your mental health Read more
How art and drama can give people a safe space to share their experiences Read more
Learn how collaborative projects of arts and culture revitalised the local community of Barton Hill Read more
Discover an amateur acoustic music club that has been meeting regularly for over 20 years Read more
An independent community centre in Lewisham, South East London Read more
Award-winning community-run pub in East Brighton Read more
A well-established public house in central Dover that hosts music and comedy nights as well as regular creative groups Read more
How a cash-free win-win partnership spawned a new home for creativity in Coventry Read more
Story of award-winning community-owned pub in Stoke Canon that runs creative activities Read more
Cinema and community art space in Stokes Croft in Bristol Read more
Read how the Arbroath-based drama group used a microgrant from Creative Lives to get back on stage. Read more
The story behind Folkestone-based arts & crafts group for the local trans community Read more
Cheshire West and Chester Reopening and Recovery Programme for rural areas and local communities Read more
Gareth Coles shares his passion for putting pen (and water) to paper Read more
Innovative example of turning the disused Fleetwood hospital into a gallery to showcase local people's creativity Read more
Nurturing aspiring theatre artists in rural Scotland Read more
An inspiring space for children and families to get creative Read more
Meet the 10 projects supported to develop creativity outdoors Read more
How a group of students and staff in Canterbury built a community around creativity Read more
Charlotte Rosevear shares her top tips for giving your clothes a boost! Read more
How a blended approach of on and offline brought women together during the pandemic Read more
An LGBT+ choir in Edinburgh that moved online during the pandemic and made new connections Read more
Highlands & Islands music group that proved a lifeline for young people during the pandemic Read more
Scottish youth group that found new and improved ways of working Read more
Helensburgh-based project that helped people connect and create outdoors Read more
Integrated dance group that shaped a new online programme during the pandemic Read more