Creative Lives is delivering a grant programme as part of a major initiative called Know Your Neighbourhood, led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and supported by Arts Council England (ACE). The programme is operating in 27 priority areas across England. So far, Creative Lives has awarded over 60 grants in 22 of these areas.
Starting in April 2023, the overall aim of the scheme is to tackle chronic loneliness and increase volunteer opportunities, specifically through engagement in arts, heritage, and creative activities at a local level.
The focus of the scheme is not just on undertaking a creative activity, which in itself can be beneficial, but on exploring ways that the activity can build connections and a sense of belonging within the community.
Creative Lives is distributing funds alongside Libraries Connected and the Association of Independent Museums.
Meet the groups who received grants awarded by Creative Lives Read more
Read a new feature in Arts Professional by Creative Lives Place Director, Jess Plant, on how creativity can address chronic loneliness Read more
Announcing our full list of Know Your Neighbourhood awards Read more
Arts groups in disadvantaged areas across England receive boost to increase volunteering and wellbeing Read more
A funding scheme for voluntary creative groups in England Read more