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.
More than half of Muslims experienced prejudice based on their religion in the last year, but three-quarters still feel the UK is a good place to be Muslim, finds a new report, ‘Understanding Anti-Muslim Hostility: Foundations for Action’ by
@britishfuture @BMuslimTrust [1/4]
‘X accused of giving racists impunity after failing to take down ‘n-word’ and ‘p-word’ abuse’ - @guardian
X accused of giving racists ‘impunity’ after refusing to bar N- and P-word posts
Site takes no action over hate posts against UK politicians including Kemi Badenoch, Shabana Mahmood and Zia Yusuf
www.theguardian.com
‘Windrush anniversary must focus on legacy and unfinished justice’ @ppvernon writes for the @JamaicaGleaner
Patrick Vernon | Windrush anniversary must focus on legacy and unfinished justice
As Britain gets ready to celebrate another Windrush Day on June 22, I use the opportunity to reflect on what I...
jamaica-gleaner.com
Published today: ‘After the fall: Why hasn’t falling immigration changed public attitudes?’ reporting the 2026 findings of British Future’s annual Immigration Attitudes Tracker. 🧵
What does the public really think about immigration? Coming soon: The 2026 Immigration Attitudes Tracker report from British Future. Published 00.01 Thurs 21 May, ahead of the new ONS net migration stats at 9.30am that day.
'Three weeks, three months, or three years? The uncertain future of Keir Starmer'' – new
@sundersays column for @easterneye :
https://www.easterneye.biz/keir-starmer-resignation-speculation
Most of the public does not like the way in which the England flag has been dragged into polarised debates about identity and race, according to new research published today by British Future, one month out from St George's Day. [Thread]
Faith leaders urge Government to 'slow down and rethink' changes to settlement rules, in a letter published in The Guardian today 🧵
Angela Rayner has warned that the Labour government proposals to make it harder for migrants already in the UK to settle permanently are "un-British" and a "breach of trust" - BBC News report
Angela Rayner warns against 'un-British' immigration reforms
Most migrant workers will have to wait longer to qualify for permanent residence under the government's proposals.
www.bbc.co.uk
Faith leaders urge government to rethink settlement changes that “risk undermining” community cohesion [1/3]
