Learn more about running a volunteer-led local paper and how to successfully connect with your community Read more
Discover the magic of street arts and the benefits of joining NASAuk Read more
A guide to fundraising for creative groups Read more
How do new GDPR laws on data protection impact your creative activities Read more
Are you interested in setting up a new creative group in your community, but not sure where to start? Or do you already lead a thriving group, but need some advice on how to grow or overcome a particular challenge?
Creative Lives is actively researching the needs of voluntary creative groups across the UK and Ireland, and one of the ways we're responding to those needs is by producing and collating resources to support creative leaders. In this section, you'll find a wide variety of guides, briefings, and toolkits, designed to provide essential guidance and creative ideas.
If you can't find what you need below, please get in touch at [email protected].
A toolkit to help you plan, budget, promote, and evaluate free community events in high streets and town centres Read more
A short video of top tips to develop your volunteer programme by Aled Wyn Thomas from Sherman Theatre Read more
Read the new resource from Audience Agency and the Centre for Cultural Value, commissioned by Arts Council England Read more
How to make the most of Gift Aid and other effective ways of giving to your organisation Read more
Recommended affordable and accessible craft activities for self-led craft groups. Read more
Resources to help pubs and community hubs invite creative groups into their space Read more
How to use photography and video to create content for your group Read more
Advice for facilitators of participatory textile making workshops and projects Read more
A free guide to remote working and working from home, including video conferencing, cloud storage and online collaboration Read more
Find and promote services, events and attractions with 'Frog' Read more
The benefits and issues involved in contracting out local authority arts services Read more
Find out how you can make your performances accessible to people with hearing and sight loss Read more
A guide exploring Community Media as a platform for local creative groups and activities Read more
This briefing offers some practical tips on ways to welcome speakers of different languages to your creative group Read more
This briefing demystifies the commissioning process and demonstrates how it can be an opportunity for voluntary arts groups and individual artists. Read more
This briefing details the Companies Act 2006, designed to simplify and update the process of setting up and running a company Read more
A basic introduction to the concept of social enterprise, offering examples of how it can work for you Read more
Our guide to Crisis Management and Disaster Recovery - what to do in difficult situations Read more
This briefing is designed to help you think through the process of hiring a freelance artist or facilitator. Read more
Free digital skills training in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Read more
How to make the most of CSR and the potential benefits to your organisation Read more
The trustee's perspective on strategic fundraising for an arts organisation Read more
Guide to approaching business big and small for potential sponsorship Read more
How to make sure your creative activities are welcoming for those with special needs Read more
Sustaining participation in creative activities by becoming a volunteer-led group Read more
Resources and presentation slides from the Everyday Creativity and Quality Principles shared learning event. Read more
Risk management is important for charities of all sizes to ensure they can take informed decisions Read more
A guide to how creative groups can benefit from volunteers contributing in small chunks Read more
Find out how your group / organisation could benefit from joining the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. Read more
Building partnerships and developing event volunteering Read more
A guide to understanding what equality and diversity mean for your creative group Read more
Cover your group's activities by making a clear and comprehensive equal opportunities policy Read more
Take a look at the digital platforms that can help your group organise and promote your creative activities! Read more
A guide to help you remove potential barriers which prevent people from participating in your events and activities Read more
Tips on how to plan and deliver a workshop or other creative skill-sharing sessions Read more
Practical guidance to help you plan, publicise and run an accessible event Read more
Does your group meet in a venue? List it on Euan's Guide - the disabled access review website and app, for disabled people, by disabled people. Read more
Guidance on finding a new venue for your creative activities. Read more
Learn how to recognise the potential risks in planning an event and develop a full risk assessment Read more
Practical advice on taking, sharing and finding great photos to help your voluntary arts group Read more
Find out the essential principles of designing good promotional materials Read more
How to understand licensing fees for performing or playing music that is under copyright Read more
Tips on developing sharp, succinct, successful marketing campaigns online and offline Read more
A toolkit providing a clear approach to understand the Five Ways to Wellbeing in relation to creativity Read more
This toolkit will help you bring your stories to your local broadcaster in a compelling way Read more
Our Briefing gives you a simple guide to planning effective publicity for your organisation or event Read more