Meeting the needs of everyday creativity

Explanation

We collected stories from people about what would help and saw the same things repeated. We’ve groups them as:

  • Validation
  • Connections
  • Practical Support
  • Navigation

 

Validation 

A golden thread through many stories, people seek validation and encouragement for their work. Some of these needs are met by peers and critical friends but also by finding a platform for celebration and showcasing.



An example might be offering exhibition or showcasing opportunities, 

perhaps with a group or for individuals.

Connections 

Being part of a community linked by a passion is among the chief pleasures listed by everyday creatives. Coming together with friends or meeting new people is one of the major benefits. Peers and collaborators are important not just for encouragement but as sources of inspiration, ideas, information. Lone creatives are often seeking places and channels for connection.

Some organisations host and support networking for local creatives, for example.

Practical support

Spaces, materials, practical know-how, money, time – everyday creatives – especially groups – are short of all of them. Small amounts of money are important: remember, the boundary between paid and voluntary is very blurry, some people are working towards a paid portfolio.

Some of the most valued examples people gave were access to free spaces and very small grants

Although less pressing and evident than other areas, we noticed that groups and individuals also had common navigational needs – including in relation to what cultural and other organisations have to offer. This relates to the support and resources available, funding and how to get it, potential partnerships, research for advocacy and so on. People are also in search of ideas and inspiration. Again, this knowledge is taken for granted by professionals but can be usefully shared.

This could include directories and asset maps- like those offered by 

Creative Lives and Fun Palaces, or the highly-valued resource packs that 

organisations sent out in COVID lockdowns

People rarely if ever mention the need for artistic support or instruction from professional artists and creatives. That said, lone/ at-home creatives in some disciplines put classes and workshops high up their wish lists, while some group organisers are hungry for regular content and creative collaboration. Overall, however, what our research suggests is that there is a role for professional creatives but not necessarily the one they are used to playing. People also experience barriers, stopping them from pursuing their creative interests - and significant differences between barriers to different types of activity.