About Voluntary Arts

Voluntary Arts aims to promote participation in the arts and crafts across the UK and Republic of Ireland. We recognise that they are a key part of our culture and as such they are absolutely vital to our health, social and economic development.

Over half the UK adult population is involved in the voluntary arts and crafts – those arts and crafts that people undertake for self-improvement, social networking and leisure, but not primarily for payment. They are wide-ranging and include folk, dance, drama, literature, media, music, visual arts, crafts and applied arts, and festivals.

Voluntary Arts works with policy makers, funders and politicians to improve the environment for everyone participating in the arts, and we provide information and training to those who participate in the voluntary arts sector. This includes over 300 national and regional umbrella bodies, and through them, their member groups of local voluntary arts practitioners.