There has been a dramatic expansion in the number of organisations supporting arts activities by and for older people in the UK - but more still is needed, says David Cutler.
The arts have helped scientists gain a better understanding of how it actually feels like to live with dementia. Julian West shares his experience of a research project based on ‘co-creativity’.
As local authority cuts continue to squeeze culture and heritage budgets, libraries offer a way for councils to preserve access to the arts, says Gerald Vernon-Jackson.
The arts are important because they matter to us, and any attempts to further justify them lead to an impoverished and less human life, says Carter Gillies.
The success of Hull City of Culture shows what can be achieved in the arts when we come together to achieve a common goal. Positivity is key to making change happen, says Phil Batty.
It can be brutal to have your work rejected. Tom Harvey has devised a ‘Humane Commissioning Manifesto’ to fight back against insensitive and damaging practices.
Has Arts Council England got cultural democracy wrong? Steven Hadley and Eleonora Belfiore argue for a more thorough questioning of existing hierarchies.
Clinical psychologist Katherine Taylor explains how Greater Manchester is putting the arts at the heart of its mental health strategy, inspired by Finland’s positive experiences.
Arts organisations are under growing pressure to demonstrate social impact. Emma Taylor-Collins explains how they can gain robust, high quality evidence to measure their success.
Ovalhouse’s FiRST BiTES programme ensures that it takes the risks necessary for creating diverse and experimental theatre, explains Owen Calvert-Lyons.
How can an arts organisation be sure it is working with schools that represent the community? Lucie Fitton and Ashleigh Hibbins suggest combining arts, population and schools data.
Effectively monetising creative work ensures that artists can continue to do what they love. Ros Gilman offers advice on pricing, marketing and legal issues.
As performance targets squeeze the arts to the margins of the curriculum, only the most courageous of state schools are continuing to provide the bedrock of ongoing opportunities that were available to previous generations. Pauline Tambling charts the decline.
By taking a robust approach to understanding the social class make-up of the workforce, the cultural sector can address entrenched inequalities. Dave O’Brien suggests a way forward.
Arts organisations could be doing a lot to tempt potential audiences with a taster of their work. Steve Wallace explains how video could take more advantage of society’s growing visual literacy.
With artist workspaces under threat from funding cuts, increases in business rates and property development schemes, a new initiative aims to extend their lifespan. Karen Watson explains.
