Ten year strategy evidence: Children and young people

During 2017/18 we commissioned four research reports, to better understand how children and younger people participate and enjoy arts and cultural activities across England.

We wanted to know how they access opportunities, what barriers might exist and whether culture is important and relevant to their lives.

It was important that the findings were based on consultation with a wide range of ages (from 7-25 years old), from geographic regions across England and a broad spectrum of existing arts engagement levels.

We commissioned agencies with complementary approaches to reach a wide range of children and young people. With the help and support of those young people, they produced four reports:

ART31 worked with children and younger people at the older end of the spectrum, some of whom are already young creatives

Download the report (PDF, 9.23 MB)

Beatfreeks worked with children and younger people in further education, using innovative and creative approaches to gather opinions

Download the report (PDF, 3.26 MB)

BTB Digital Ltd also worked with an older age group, but focused on those that do not currently participate in the culture ACE funds

Download the report (PDF, 339.23 KB)

Sound Connections talked to children and younger people across the country, working with groups in schools and community settings

Download the report (PDF, 1.52 MB)

Through this research we talked to over 1,876 children and young people throughout England.

The common message is that culture is very important in the lives of children and young people across the country. They may not always recognise the ways in which the Arts Council describes arts and cultural presently, however participation in creative and cultural activity is fundamental to their lives and future.