Social Value
Creativity makes the society we live in better
It makes an invaluable contribution to our health and wellbeing – both physically and mentally.
It inspires co-operation, collaboration, empathy and understanding. It brings people together and opens our minds to cultural diversity and social inclusion.
It can reach out to all parts of society across all parts of the country, including some of our most marginalised people.
It makes a vital contribution to all stages of our education system and to lifelong development and learning.
It helps us develop skills, our imaginations, our self-expression, and our confidence, opening us up to new experiences, improving social mobility and helping us all learn more about ourselves and others and, ultimately, making a positive contribution to Scotland’s society.
Did you know?
The most commonly reported benefits of taking part in creative activities are helping us to relax and making us feel good - 46% and 42% respectively - Scottish Opinion Survey TNS, September 2017
People who have attended a cultural place or event in the previous 12 months are almost 60 per cent more likely to report good health compared to those who have not - Healthy Attendance? The Impact of Cultural Engagement and Sports Participation on Health and Satisfaction with Life in Scotland, Scottish Government 2013
Alongside the more physical benefits of active forms of cultural activity (e.g. drama, dance) activities such as storytelling and visual art also have positive impacts on the overall health of those taking part - An Evidence Review of the Impact of Participatory Arts on Older People, Mental Health Foundation, 2011
Learning through Arts and Culture improves attainment across many other aspects of the school curriculum. Participation in structured arts activities increase cognitive abilities, and taking part in structured music activities improves attainment in maths - Key research findings: the case for cultural learning, Cultural Learning Alliance, 2011
97% of the Scottish population believes that creative activity is essential for children and young people’s learning and well-being, 82% believe that arts education in schools is as important as science education - Scottish Opinion Survey TNS, September 2017
Showcase
A Dundee woman living with multiple sclerosis has told of how she has regained her confidence, created her own art works and even travelled to London thanks to a local arts project.
Published: 29 Mar 2019
Screen Scotland - the dedicated partnership for screen in Scotland - has announced the launch of a new Cinema Equipment Fund to improve access to community cinema across Scotland.
Published: 06 Mar 2019
Can video games help young people talk about mental health? Dundee-based video game designers Biome Collective think so, with a new interactive tool that aims to do just that.
Published: 04 Sep 2018
For the last 40 years, the Travelling Gallery has been touring all over Scotland with one key mission: to make art inclusive and accessible for all. Now, an exhibition over two floors at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre will celebrate Travelling Gallery’s journey – past, present and future.
Published: 19 Jun 2018
We caught up with Deveron Projects director Claudia Zeiske about their recent Slow Marathon - an annual event which expands upon a theme from their curated programme and literally "takes it for a walk", alongside talks, films, food and discussion.
Published: 17 May 2018
PROCESSIONS 2018 is a UK-wide, mass participatory artwork celebrating 100 years since the first British women got the vote. We popped along to the Edinburgh College of Art to meet the students preparing their banner for the big day.
Published: 11 May 2018
Over a quarter of a million pounds will fund creative projects across the country to support the Scottish Governments aim to tackle inequalities experienced by Scotland’s young people, in the Year of Young People 2018.
Published: 25 Apr 2018
This summer, a new album from Vox Liminis will be launched at Hidden Door. Distant Voices: Not Known at This Address features the talents of Kris Drever, C Duncan, Admiral Fallow, Emma Pollock and more, alongside people who have experienced the criminal justice system.
Published: 24 Apr 2018
In February, Loud and Clear - an event to celebrate and promote disabled persons music - was held in the Scottish Parliament. We caught up with organiser David Nicolson to find out more about the event and its aims.
Published: 13 Mar 2018
From Saturday 17 to Sunday 25 March 2018, the Get Creative Festival will see people coming together to be creative in their local community.
Published: 15 Feb 2018
Since 2008, Take One Action Film Festivals have engaged tens of thousands of people with world-class films, showcasing inspiring stories that comment on issues of global concern. We speak to Tamara Van Strijthem about a decade of making a difference through cinema.
Published: 16 Nov 2017
Our Director of Strategy, Philip Deverell, takes a look at Creative Scotland's approach to supporting cultural access and engagement amongst people from Scotland’s more deprived communities.
Published: 17 Oct 2017
