Want to get creative?

There are so many ways to express yourself creatively, from performing (singing, dancing, acting) to crafting (knitting, sewing, embroidery) to visual arts (drawing, painting, photography) - or even just being creative in your kitchen or garden. We've put together a few inspirational ideas to get your creative juices flowing . . .

Looking for a creative group to join?

Across the UK and Ireland, tens of thousands of creative groups regularly meet up in libraries, church halls, community and arts centres. You'll find some of them on our Creativity Map, which is growing all the time - and it's worth checking out your local library, local authority website or local community centre to see who's meeting there.

You can also browse our list of artform 'Umbrella Bodies' - organisations that specialise in particular artforms and can connect you with a wide range of groups in your area.

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Get involved in one of our creative projects

• Jean Genies

Jean Genies is a collaborative arts project with an ecological message inviting you to make magic with denim. The project involves reworking, making and mending – activities which become more popular as people are becoming more aware of the environmental impacts of fast fashion. Learn how to get involved.

• My Creative Life

We are inviting people in Northern Ireland to use poetic verse to express their thoughts about being creative. This might be sketching in the garden, singing in a choir, knitting with your friends, mastering a new chord on the guitar, or writing a short story. Learn more.

More creative opportunities are listed every week here.

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Other fun creative projects to take part in

• The Big Draw Festival

Take part in this worldwide celebration of drawing which encourages people to get back to the drawing board! The festival consists of a collection of thousands of creative events, activities, and workshops across the globe run by organisations big and small; from individuals to entire cities! It is you, the Organisers, who make our dreams a reality... Learn more.

• The January Challenge

oin some of the creative world's biggest talents This is a unique opportunity to join in with some of the creative world's biggest talents. The January Challenge from arts organisation 64 Million Artists, now in its eighth year, is 31 days of fun, quick and free creative challenges for everyone to enjoy. Learn more.

• Weekly creative activities for older people

In 2022, as part of The National Activity Providers Association's Year of Creativity, we contributed to a series of 52 activities for people working and living in care home settings. Access the full activity programme.

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Get inspired by others

• Stories of creativity - learn why and how getting creative can improve people's lives

• Cardiff Museum Drawing Group - see the latest creations of a group of people that came together to begin exploring National Museum Cardiff’s collections through drawing...

• #CreativeNetwork - meet and chat with peers on various themes. See what's on.

• Creative Lives On Air - hear some of the best stories from creative people and groups. 

• Creative Conversations

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Some great creative TV programmes to add to your binge-watch list:

• The Great British Sewing Bee 

Amateur sewers compete to impress judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, hoping to be crowned Britain’s most sensational seamster. Watch it online via BBC iPlayer.

• The Great British Bake Off