In last week’s blog, our Policy Director Jess Plant reflected on how recent local and national elections impact everyday creativity. This blog takes a deep dive into England-specific changes . . .

Following May’s elections, the changes relating to cultural policy in England keep coming. Specifically, new ‘Culture Priority Places’ from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, a new Strategic Framework from Arts Council England, and the appointment of their incoming Chair, Dawn Airey CBE.

Many of the amazing local creative groups we support may not have direct connection with either of these bodies, but how DCMS and Arts Council England position themselves very much impacts the soil in which everyday creativity can flourish.

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DCMS Culture Priority Places

Place is an ongoing focus across all nations. DCMS has refreshed and extended what it considers ‘Culture Priority Places’ in England - the full list of the 81 places can be seen here.

By increasing investment in certain areas, the Government aims to “build social and community cohesion and to enhance opportunity where outcomes are poorest”. The focus on areas that have been historically undersupported reflects Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa  Nandy’s vision for ‘Arts Everywhere’, which recognises the role creativity has to “bring people together, open doors, and support our shared sense of belonging”.

You can learn more about the work Creative Lives does in different places across the UK & Ireland, including many DCMS Culture Priority Places, here.

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A new Strategic Framework for Arts Council England

Following a review commissioned by the Government, Arts Council England has announced a temporary Strategic Framework, which replaces its former ‘Let’s Create’ strategy until it develops a new one. The new Framework sets out three priorities:

1. Excellence
2. Everyone
3. Everywhere

As we're aware of the vast benefits it can bring, we’re delighted that the new Strategic Framework wants to see “creativity as part of everybody’s lives”, and Art Council England’s ambition to ensure creativity across the country is something that Creative Lives strongly supports.
  
The term ‘excellence’ is difficult for many people, bringing up complex discussions around definition and access. However, Arts Council England is clear that “excellence looks different in different contexts” and that excellence can refer to excellent engagement, experiences and process. 

From an everyday creativity perspective, the Framework also makes positive referencess to all people being able to “develop their own creativity” and an ambition to “reintegrate the arts into the social fabric of our communities up and down the country”. The Framework also references the importance of being able to “experience culture as part of everyday life”, although this currently specifically relates to children and young people.

We will push to extend this to adults, as we know that actively taking part in creative endeavours such as singing, dancing and crafting can have a profound impact on individual physical and mental health, and communities at large. We also support Arts Council England’s new commitment to increasing the voices of local people in decision-making, and to working in further partnership with Local Authorities.

As the UK & Ireland’s voice for everyday creativity, Creative Lives' place-based work, national awards scheme, and partnerships with BBC Local Radio, already uncover, amplify and celebrate local creativity. We directly collect the needs of grassroots groups via Creative Lives Monitor (2026 results coming soon!), and share these with senior stakeholders and decision makers, to shape policy that will improve experiences on the ground. We also recently convened focus groups to interrogate this year’s Monitor results, and we’ll continue to work with Arts Council England to represent the needs and views of local creative groups.

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Through significant change in England and beyond, one thing is certain: Creative Lives will continue to be the loudest voice possible for everyday creativity, and the incredible impact it has on individuals and communities across the UK & Ireland.