Equal Arts' work informs report exploring difference arts and culture can make

The work of Equal Arts has informed what’s thought to be the most in-depth attempt to understand the difference arts and culture can have on individuals and society.

The experiences of Grand Gestures, an improvised dance group for older people set up as part of our five-year Creativity Matters project, feature in a new report by Professor Geoffrey Crossick and Dr Patrycja Kaszynska.

Hear from members of Grand Gestures in this recent Arts Council film.

Speaking about being a part of the Gateshead group participants said: “Most mornings when I get up my feet begin to crumble beneath me. I come to class and by the end I have no aches or pains.

“Being inspired by your own feelings and dance, you can express yourself even if no-one else knows what you are thinking.”

Entitled Understanding the Value of Arts and Culture, the report stems from the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s three-year Cultural Value project which involved 70 pieces of work.

Professor Crossick said: “In recent years debate about cultural value has not grasped the range of the ways in which people engage with arts and culture.

“The project broadens the scope of the discussion on cultural value to include alongside the subsidised cultural sectors the commercial sector, and amateur and participatory arts and culture, which are how most people engage. It also emphasises the way they are part of a single ecology.”

“To fully appreciate the impact of culture on the economy, on cities or on health we must start with understanding the individual experience, whether this is in helping people to become more reflective about themselves and others or more imaginative and innovative as members of society.”

The report sheds new light on a number of areas where research shows arts and culture can make a difference.

Read the report in full here.