What we do

What we do

Voluntary Arts supports, encourages, promotes and advocates for creative cultural activity in all its forms.

Where we do it – and who with

We work across the UK and Republic of Ireland, with everyone who gets creative purely for the love of it. We also work with anyone who helps facilitate creative participation, those who fund it, provide spaces for it to happen, and the people who work alongside communities to support them in their creative endeavours.

What do we mean by ‘creative activity’?

Everything from traditional amateur arts and crafts (singing, dancing, drama, knitting, painting, sewing – and lots more besides) to wider definitions of creativity such as digital arts, or expressing yourself in the kitchen or garden.

Why it’s important

We recognise the huge contribution that creative cultural activity makes to people’s wellbeing – whether they’re part of a group or going it alone.

We regularly see the difference it makes to individuals and communities, and the way creative pursuits bring people together, teaches them new skills, boosts confidence and brings about a sense of achievement.

Like many things in life, it’s often about the journey and the experience, rather than an end result (although that can be great, too).

Our work

The work of Voluntary Arts can be broadly categorised as follows:

• Connecting – we help make alliances and partnerships, and facilitate networking between creative groups and organisations.
• Influencing – we represent, lobby for and advocate on behalf of the voluntary arts sector, on a local, national and international level.
• Developing – we provide information, advice, training and events to bring people together and foster new relationships and connections. We also promote the creative output of the tens of thousands of people and groups across the UK and Ireland who get creative week in, week out.

Visit the other parts of our website to read about...

Our annual awards scheme, the Epic Awards

Our annual celebration of creativity, the Get Creative Festival

Our collaboration with BBC local radio, Up For Arts

Our extensive resources, including helpful briefings on a range of topics, our listings of job opportunities, creative opportunities, funding and much more.

Our Projects