Supporting Research
The importance of this work is shown in the following research and reports:
· ‘Plan for Change: Milestones for Mission-led Government
· 'Report Card 2024' Cultural Learning Alliance;
· 'The State of the Arts' Campaign for the Arts;
· 'Crea-Tech' The Royal Anniversary Trust and Department for Culture, Media and Sport;
· 'Lost Boys' The Institute for Social Justice;
· 'RAPS Researching the Arts in Primary Schools' University of Nottingham, School of Education;
· 'Culture and Heritage Capital: Monetising the Impact of Culture and Heritage on
· Health and Well-Being Department for Culture, Media and Sport;
“Arts and music bring people together and are enjoyed by communities across the country. We want every child and young person to have equal opportunities to access a high quality arts and music education, to ensure creativity can be explored by all and not just the privileged few.” Lisa Nandy Secretary of State for Culture, Media and the Arts
“This bold innovation will nurture England’s next generation of creators, performers and audiences, levelling the playing field for all young people whatever their background. Subjects like art and design, dance, drama and music are central to every child’s education. They come with the added bonus of equipping young people for life by boosting their creativity, their confidence and their social skills.” Darren Henley CBE, CEO of Arts Council England
“We need an entitlement to expressive arts learning for every child as part of a broad and balanced curriculum.” ‘RAPS’ Report
“Education reform is needed to build a robust skills pipeline, starting with the integration of creative and technical subjects from primary to secondary school education and progressing through targeted, CreaTech-specific programmes in further and higher education.” ‘Crea-Tech’ Report
“Arts education has a proven role in contributing to better outcomes for children and young people, developing crucial skills like teamwork, empathy, problem-solving, self-confidence and creativity. Arts education equips people of all ages with valuable skills and knowledge, supports personal development and fosters social cohesion. For some it is also an essential precursor to flourishing careers in the arts.” ‘The State of the Arts’ Report
“This report by Frontier Economics, commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), represents an important step in demonstrating the profound impact of culture and heritage on health and wellbeing. For instance, the study highlights how cultural engagement can benefit adults’ general health, how arts activities can improve children’s self-esteem, and how singing in choirs can improve the health of older adults.” DCMS Report
“Our education system is not working for boys. While it is well known that boys and girls develop at different rates and have different preferences and abilities, it is clear that large numbers of boys are failing to reach their potential at school, and this will have far reaching consequences for society and the economy.” ‘Lost Boys’ Report
“The Arts are important for the individual, for schools and for society. Expressive Arts subjects have an important, evidenced and unique role in contributing to improving outcomes for children and young people, providing them with positive, memorable experiences, and with skills for life and skills for work. They make a powerful contribution to children’s and young people’s personal, social and creative wellbeing, and have an important role to play in contributing to the relevance and inclusiveness of the school culture and joy of learning, preparing young people to thrive as active citizens. School should be a place where aptitudes and interests can be discovered, developed and encouraged. A rich Arts education, as an integral part of a broad and balanced schooling experience, supports the development of many desirable skills and capacities which are valued by young people – and by employers.” ‘Annual Report Card 2024’
Cultural Learning Alliance Research Findings
‘Arts education is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s really the air many of these kids breathe. It’s how we get kids excited about getting up and going to school in the morning. It’s how we get them to take ownership of their future.’ Michelle Obama
1. Participation in structured arts activities can increase cognitive abilities by 17%.
2. Learning through arts and culture can improve attainment in Maths and English.
3. Learning through arts and culture develops skills and behaviour that lead children to do better in school.
4. Students from low-income families who take part in arts activities at school are three times more likely to get a degree.
5. Employability of students who study arts subjects is higher and they are more likely to stay in employment.
6. Students from low-income families who engage in the arts at school are twice as likely to volunteer.
7. Students from low-income families who engage in the arts at school are 20% more likely to vote as young adults.
8. Young offenders who take part in arts activities are 18% less likely to re-offend.
9. Children who take part in arts activities in the home during their early years are ahead in reading and Maths at age nine.
10. People who take part in the arts are 38% more likely to report good health.
You can read the Key Research Findings in full at: www.culturallearningalliance.org.uk/evidence