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.
"We honour the past fully when all of those who contributed and served can be fully recognised. We bring this society together when everybody is invited to participate." @sundersays for @easterneye on why inclusive remembrance matters now more than ever [1/2]
New net migration figures are published by ONS this month (27 Nov). Join our lunchtime webinar that afternoon for expert analysis of what the figures mean for the politics and policy of immigration - with @alanmanning4 @MarleyAMorris + our team [1/2]
"To let people get stuck in jobs that don’t use their potential is a waste — not just for them, but for the economy as a whole." Good piece from @sarahoconnor_ on migrants' progression at work, quoting our @Heather_Rolfe
via @FT
Why the job ladder matters for migrants
Obstacles in progressing are important both for people and for the economy
www.ft.com
We’re delighted to be shortlisted for @SmartThinktank’s inaugural Think Tank of the Year Award 2025!
Proud to be recognised for our research, impact and contribution to the UK policy debate.
#SmartThinkingAwards #ThinkTankOfTheYear
Our @sundersays is on the @BBCRadio4 Today Debate with Amol Rajan tonight at 8pm, discussing “Has the UK given up on freedom of speech?”
Our @sundersays column for @easterneye this week on the Gaza peace deal, efforts to bolster UK community relations after the Manchester attack, and book-burning free speech advocates {1/2]
How can we help make workplaces fair and inclusive? At Labour & Conservative conferences, British Future (with @kpmguk) brought together politicians, business leaders & experts to explore how to unlock opportunity for all. Read more below [1/2]
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]
The new 'Pride in Place' programme "fires the starting gun in Labour’s race to address the sense of national decline fuelling polarisation & populism," writes our @jakepuddle – but ministers should be wary of presenting it as a silver bullet to heal divides. [1/2]
