We know that creative expression in all its forms is a fundamental part of being human, but that individuals and communities need opportunities and support for creativity to flourish. We also know that people coming together to create, have fun, share experiences and support each other can have a positive impact on both their physical and emotional wellbeing.
We work with community groups, organisations, local authorities, policy-makers, funders, and creative individuals as a voice for positive change, to improve and expand the landscape in which creative participation can take place. We work to address inequalities in access to creative participation, promote inclusivity, connect people and communities, and seek to increase awareness of the links between creativity and wellbeing.
We do this on a local and national level through advocacy, development, and celebrating the activities of creative people, groups, and places. We have teams based across the UK and Ireland, and are funded by Arts Council England, the Arts Council of Ireland, Creative Scotland, and the Arts Council of Wales.
Our strategic vision for the next five years Read more
An ambitious project putting people, place, and participation at the centre of cultural life in Edenderry Read more
Our tailored package to help local authorities engage with their creative community Read more
Learn new skills to support and develop your creative group Read more
Learn, share, and get inspired at our friendly online discussion groups. All welcome! Read more
Our exciting partnership with BBC Local Radio stations across the country Read more
We're funding creative projects to boost volunteering and tackle loneliness in priority areas across England Read more
Find out how our small grants in Scotland are helping local creative groups Read more
A new project providing arts and crafts materials in community venues in Cardiff. Read more
A wonderful display of work by amateur and semi-professional artists from across Scotland Read more
Resources to help pubs and community hubs invite creative groups into their space Read more
A report highlighting some of our activities from the year 2021-22. Read more
Recommended affordable and accessible craft activities for self-led craft groups. Read more
Overview of our work, including policy and research, radio programmes, UK and Ireland-wide awards, funding schemes and more. Read more
A series of worksheets and prompts for people who want to try their hand at a creative activity. Read more
A selection of artwork created by members of the Cardiff Museum Drawing Group. Read more
With a shared mission to support and promote people’s active engagement with creative activities, we have been building exchange-based collaborations with peer organisations across Europe. Read more
Community dance project in Edenderry, Co. Offaly, funded by the St. Patrick's Festival & TikTok Creative Fund Read more
A report highlighted some of our activities from the year 2020-21. Read more
An overview of a collaborative arts project in Wales. Read more
A policy statement issued by Creative Lives in June 2021. Read more
A look back at three decades of creative participation Read more
A year of creativity from members of Get Drawing Whitchurch, 2020-21. Read more
An overview of a project in Wales exploring creative activity through poetry. Read more
A song for Edinburgh's choirs Read more
A participatory drawing project delivered in partnership with organisations around Ireland during the pandemic Read more
The artists behind the MAKING SPACE project tell us about moving the project from a shopping centre in Lisburn to online activities Read more
The Exit 15 Microfund is a friendly little fund to help community groups put on new events and activities in the Ballyogan area. Find out more about the projects Read more
Information about the two-year European project exploring how co-creative activities help to bridge social divides Read more
Poetry project explores how being creative makes us feel. Read more
Thinking about setting up your own community cinema? With the help of Cinema For All we've gathered together lots of useful information to help you get started. Read more