Bringing people together through community arts and creativity projects could help build more cohesive communities in the wake of this summer’s riots, according to British Future research.
‘Creating Connections’, a new report, finds a strong and partly untapped public appetite to do more, with 80% of people interested in participating in arts and creative activities – while only 53% did so over the last year. Getting more people involved in creative activities in their community can help address the urgent need to bridge divides in our society following the racist riots of the summer, the research argues.
Arts and creativity projects promote social mixing between people from different backgrounds, which experts say is crucial to breaking down fears and prejudices. Around half of those who have taken part in a creative arts activity over the last year said it helped them to meet people from different backgrounds.
The report calls on the government to ensure that the role of the creative arts is part of a new, comprehensive strategy on social connection and community cohesion in response to this summer’s violent racist disorder. It also highlights the important role that cultural programmes linked to major events – like VE Day 80 next year and the UK hosting the Euros football tournament in 2028 – can play in bringing people together across the nation.
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Our @sundersays is on the @BBCRadio4 Today Debate with Amol Rajan tonight at 8pm, discussing “Has the UK given up on freedom of speech?”
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Moment of reflection planned one week on from Manchester synagogue attack
Moment of reflection planned one week on from Manchester synagogue attack
Communities across the UK are being encouraged to hold vigils, light candles, or have moments of silence.
www.independent.co.uk
"Are you representing an organisation here?", I asked a Muslim attendee. “I’m here as a Mancunian mate,’ he replied. “That’s what I’m representing.”
Our Avaes Mohammad's reflections from Friday's vigil in Manchester following the appalling Synagogue attack. [1/2]
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Profile in @guardian today of our Director @sundersays, talking about British Future's work and immigration, race, prejudice, flags and patriotism – and why he's still optimistic about Britain
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If you’re at @Conservatives party conference today, join us to discuss (Midland Hotel, Trafford, 6pm)
#CPC25 [1/3]
Farage refused to confirm whether Hong Kongers would be exempt from his plans to jettison ‘indefinite leave to remain’ (ILR) status.
Asked about those fleeing Beijing’s authoritarianism in the former city state, the Reform leader was unequivocal: ‘800,000 people are due to…
