There's still time to book your FREE place on this fascinating training session on trauma, we'll be running online with Bee Kind Training on Thursday 16 April: www.creative-lives.org/Event/trauma...

“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

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

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...

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

📢 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...

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.

Could you help us champion, support, promote and nurture local creative groups in order to build more sustainable communities? We're looking for volunteer advisors from a range of experiences and backgrounds to contribute to our work across the UK & Ireland. www.creative-lives.org/creative-liv...

We had fun at our first creative session in Rotherham this week! It's one of many FREE workshops coming up in September at the Imperial Buildings, in partnership with Children's Capital of Culture, Flux Rotherham and BBC Radio Sheffield. Visit www.creative-lives.org/rotherhamwor... for details.

We were delighted to meet the Culture Night team when they visited our Creative Places: Edenderry project recently. We're excited to be supporting two events as part of this annual creative extravaganza on 19 September (a community mural and open mic night). Find out more at culturenight.ie

We're running a packed programme of fun FREE creative events for people of all ages in Rotherham this month. From toddlers to adults, there's something for everyone at the Imperial Building. Just turn up! Visit www.creative-lives.org/rotherhamwor... for dates, times and details.

Do you know an arts hero? Nominations are open for the 2025 Sky Arts Hero Award, celebrating the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes - including community volunteers. So nominate that special person in your creative group now! skyartsawards.sky/arts-hero-aw... youtu.be/x_mQikXC7y0

There's still time to get involved in European Folk Day on Tue 23 Sep. Whether you're part of a band, festival, club, community group or more, any activity related to folk music, dance or storytelling can be added to their website, or search for a local event. Find out more at www.europeanfolkday.eu

Our friends at @weareherescot.bsky.social are exploring wellbeing for Black and Global Majority creatives in Scotland's creative industries. They're looking for participants for group interviews this Sep/Oct across Scotland. Find out more at www.creativebalance.scot

A new funding pot from The Scottish Government and @inspiringscotland.bsky.social is offering up to £35,000 to support community-based organisations in Scotland delivering participatory arts. Find out more at www.creative-lives.org/creative-com...

Are volunteers an important part of your group? Tell us how you look after them, and help them feel supported and appreciated, and you could win a £250 micro-grant! We're looking for great examples to share with others. Deadline: 29 Aug. www.creative-lives.org/how-do-you-l...

This quote from our Q&A with a fundraiser is just one of the helpful sections in our FREE guide ‘Cash For Culture’. In it you'll find details of hundreds of funders, a guide to writing funding applications, ideas for local fundraising and much more. www.creative-lives.org/cash-for-culture-england

Are volunteers well looked after in your creative group? We're looking for top tips, great ideas and innovative examples of how to make sure volunteers feel supported and appreciated. And we'll give a £250 micro-grant to our favourite entry! Find out more at: www.creative-lives.org/how-do-you-l...

Want to attract new members or volunteers? Want to help demonstrate how important creativity is to local communities? Then add your creative group or project to the Creative Lives 'Creativity Map'. Simply fill out the short form on our website www.creative-lives.org/creativity-map

Creative Lives is seeking a freelance Community Producer to deliver a six-month programme of creative development and radio broadcast content in Slough as part of our Creative Lives On Air collaboration with @bbcberkshire.bsky.social. www.creative-lives.org/community-pr...

Creative Lives has teamed up with easyfundraising to help distribute their FREE fundraising pack. easyfundraising is a great way to raise unrestricted money for your group, simply by doing your usual shopping online. Register at www.easyfundraising.org.uk/creative

Would you like to help us champion, support, promote and nurture local creative groups? Then become one of our volunteer advisers! We're looking for people from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, with a passion for everyday creativity. www.creative-lives.org/creative-liv...

Huge congratulations to PRIME, the Scottish dance company for over 60s, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary by publishing a beautiful book charting their journey. Find out more at primeat10.com @dancebase.bsky.social

Does your creative group work with people living with Parkinson's? Then the @parkinsons.org.uk grants for physical activity could be for you! Find out more at www.creative-lives.org/parkinsons-u...

Interested in creative health? We've just published our report on the creative health sector in Tendring, Essex - including a series of recommendations on how to help the sector flourish. Free to download at www.creative-lives.org/mapping-creative-health-in-tendring

Join our online meet-up on Mon 9 Jun, 7-8pm as we discuss how to tackle uncomfortable situations with empathy and understanding. With guest, Gary Gardiner of 21 Common. Book your free place now at www.creative-lives.org/Event/creati...

It's Small Charity Week this week, and if your group has been thinking of becoming a registered charity, check out our page of helpful info, and two Q&As with creative groups that have taken the plunge! www.creative-lives.org/becoming-a-c...