Grassroots creativity supports millions – but three quarters of groups don’t have the resources they need.
Participation in grassroots creativity is thriving – but the vital community infrastructure that makes it possible faces collapse.
The Creative Lives Monitor measures the capacity, resilience and connections of local creative groups across the UK & Ireland. This report presents the findings from our 2026 research, and considers how both Creative Lives and the wider landscape can respond.
This year’s Creative Lives Monitor report demonstrates that local creative groups are in high demand, have significant social impact, and are characterised by resilience and determination. However, a fast-changing world and systemic challenges result in burn-out, financial volatility and disconnection.
The key findings
- Groups are financially fragile, with the cost-of-living crisis increasing outgoings and reducing income.
- There is a huge demand for creative activity, but it isn’t equally spread – with protected groups often underserved.
- An ageing population means ageing leadership, and urgent challenges about who will take on the mantle.
- The struggle to access appropriate, affordable and accessible venues continues to hinder groups and those they support.
- Groups are isolated from, and struggle to establish meaningful connections with, local authorities and other civic infrastructure, reducing their impact.
Grassroots creativity supports millions – but three quarters of groups don’t have the resources they need.
Capacity
Groups are financially fragile, with the cost-of-living crisis increasing outgoings and reducing income.
The huge demand for creative activity isn’t equally spread or met by equal opportunity to get involved, with protected groups often underserved.
An ageing population means ageing leadership, and urgent challenges about who will take on the mantle.
Resilience
Groups are committed to the cause, often going above and beyond to make their activities accessible and affordable.
Overall, the health of our local creative groups across the UK & Ireland is flatlining, with almost three quarters (72%) lacking the resources they need.
The pressure on groups transfers to individuals, with volunteer burnout a leading cause of concern.
Connections
The struggle to access appropriate, affordable and accessible venues continues to hinder groups and those they support.
Groups are isolated from, and struggle to establish meaningful connections with, local authorities and other civic infrastructure, reducing their impact (52% feel disconnected from their local council).
Groups feel invisible to and undervalued by the broader arts sector, rather than part of the ecosystem (only 7% report strong connections).
