Creative Lives

“I am delighted that Max May is joining us. He brings years of working at the intersection of art and community, and an infectious enthusiasm for everyday creativity.” - Gavin Stride, Chair of Creative Lives

Read about our new CEO, Max May, here: www.creative-lives.org/News/max-may...

Would your creative group like to be more accessible to Deaf and Disabled people? Join Disability Rights UK online as they launch their new toolkit for creative groups, and discuss opening up everyday creativity to all. 24 Feb, 6pm and 26 Feb, 12pm. www.creative-lives.org/Events

Did you know that people who read regularly report feeling less lonely, less stressed or anxious, and sleep better? So join in the fun and pledge your support for the National Year of Reading's @go_all_in_2026 campaign. www.creative-lives.org/get-involved-in-the-national-year-of-reading

Thanks so much for letting us know, @dreadingslam.bsky.social - if you could take a couple of minutes to fill out our short survey, it would really help us monitor the situation year-on-year. And you might win a small grant! Thanks www.creative-lives.org/creative-liv...

From creative writing, weaving, poetry and a multi-sensory community art project, to music jams and a group for older musicians/singers- meet the seven artists funded to deliver engaging workshops and sessions as part of our Creative Places: Edenderry project. www.creative-lives.org/creative-pla...

We want to know what's changed since last year, and how resilient and connected creative groups feel. Please take a moment to answer our short 'Creative Lives Monitor' survey, so we can represent you to funders and governments. You could win a £250/€290 grant! www.creative-lives.org/creative-liv...

We're delighted to announced that Professor Daisy Fancourt, whose new book 'Art Cure' is gathering much well-deserved attention, has become our new Ambassador! You can read all about Daisy here: www.creative-lives.org/news/profess...

We've just sent out our January newsletter! It's full of news, opportunities, resources and more. You can read it here: bit.ly/4a3ThPH
And you can sign up for next month's, if you don't already receive it, here: www.creative-lives.org/newsletter

YouTube video by Creative Lives An interview with Daisy Fancourt, author of Art Cure.

Professor Daisy Fancourt's fantastic new book, Art Cure is gathering lots of interest and great reviews. We sat down with Daisy at the official book launch, and asked her about the book and the benefits of arts engagement. You can watch our interview with Daisy here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zWW...

Art could save your life! Five creative ways to make 2026 happier, healthier and more hopeful Engaging in creativity can reduce depression, improve immunity and delay ageing – all while you’re having fun

Very much enjoyed listening to Professor Daisy Fancourt talking about her new book Art Cure at Somerset House this evening. As featured in The Guardian yesterday. Thanks to @creativelivescl.bsky.social for organising the event

Engage, the National Association for Gallery Education, is seeking new Trustees to join its Board. Applications from across the UK and Ireland are welcome. Find out more at www.creative-lives.org/engage-seeks-new-trustees

Is your organisation looking for creative volunteers? Send us the details and we'll help spread the word on our website and social media. We feature volunteer posts from across the UK and Ireland. To see what info we need and how to submit it, visit www.creative-lives.org/submitting-a-volunteer-ad

Welcoming new members - a free event for creative groups - 03/12/2025 17:00:00 Join Making Music and Creative Lives for a free event in Cardiff.

📢 SOUTH WALES CREATIVES! 📢 Ready to see your group thrive?

Join Making Music and Creative Lives for a FREE in-person event in Cardiff focused on Welcoming New Members!

Book your free place now: www.creative-lives.org/Event/welcom...

It's not too late to sign up for our FREE online workshop 'Sharing Your Story With The Media' tomorrow morning (14 Nov) helping creative groups share their story and gain publicity. Register now at www.creative-lives.org/Event/sharin...

We're hiring! Visit our website to read all about our search for a new Place Director and a new Chief Executive. www.creative-lives.org/Work-with-us

Want to get your creative group noticed? We’re running two FREE online workshops to help you share your story with the media, and create great audio content. Join BBC producer John Offord for informative sessions on 14 & 28 Nov, 9-11am. Book your FREE place: www.creative-lives.org/news/free-wo...

"I thought I knew how to welcome people but have even more ideas now!" said one group organiser after we shared our new toolkit with them. So if you're looking to find, welcome, and keep new members then download your free copy from our website. www.creative-lives.org/weloming-new...

We're hiring! Creative Lives is looking for a new Chief Executive.

Creative Lives is looking for a new Chief Executive to lead its programme and team in an exciting new chapter.

✏ Deadline for applying: Monday 24 November 2025

www.creative-lives.org/creative-liv...

The search will soon be on for a new Chief Executive to lead Creative Lives. After 20 wonderful years helping to change the perception that everyday creativity is a 'nice to have' rather than something fundamental, Robin Simpson will retire in May 2026. www.creative-lives.org/news/chief-e...

Sign up for easyfundraising in time for Christmas! Raise money when your supporters shop online with retailers like Tesco, Etsy, Argos, M&S and 8,000 other popular stores.
Retailers donate a proportion of what’s spent, at no cost to you or your supporters. Visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/creative

Join our team! We're currently looking for a Place Director to lead Creative Lives’ place-based work across the UK and Ireland, and to be our lead officer in Scotland. Deadline: 7 Nov. www.creative-lives.org/place-director

We were delighted to see our former award winners The Sunday Boys win 'Best New Project' at this year's @makingmusicuk.bsky.social Awards! Congratulations to them, the rest of the winners, and everyone shortlisted.

We're delighted to see this new fund from Arts Council of Wales open to creative community groups across Wales. Find out more at www.creative-lives.org/creative-communities-wales

There are SO many benefits linked to creative participation, and we've gathered the research together so you don't have to! Download our guide to the proven impact of grassroots creativity to add weight to your funding applications. www.creative-lives.org/the-proven-impact-of-grassroots-creativity

Join Creative Lives, and our guest from Dadesley Crafting, online on Thursday 23 October to discuss ways to reach, attract, welcome (and keep!) new members to your creative group. www.creative-lives.org/Event/welcom...

On National Poetry Day we're taking a moment to look back at our two fabulous poetry projects: My Time and My Creative Time, inspired by creative activities people love to do. Here's one of the entries we received. Read more at www.creative-lives.org/mytime and www.creative-lives.org/my-creative-...

What does it feel like to walk into your creative group for the first time? Join our free online session on Thu 23 Oct, 6.30pm for tips and ideas on how to encourage people to join your group - and how to help them feel welcome and informed when they do! www.creative-lives.org/Event/welcom...

"It was so lovely to meet like-minded and uplifting people", "More sessions like this please!"- we were delighted to receive such great feedback from our workshop on looking after the artist/facilitator at Island Arts Centre in Lisburn, NI yesterday!

Glasgow Southside Crafters (pictured) are the latest group to be added to our 'Creativity Map'. If your group isn't on it, head to our website now to fill out the short form - and get yourself on the map! www.creative-lives.org/creativity-map

Are volunteers well looked after in your creative group? Our latest micro-grant competition is all about volunteers, and how to make sure they feel supported, appreciated and cared for. Find out how you could win £250/€290 at www.creative-lives.org/how-do-you-l.... Deadline: 30 Sept.