A NATIONAL LOTTERY REPORT 2020
Arts
WE’RE WITNESSING A ‘DOMESTIC RENAISSANCE’ IN ART AND CREATIVITY AT HOME
With the UK starved of live events and with many unable to visit cultural venues as they used to, behind closed doors there appears to be a wellspring of creativity that could have long-lasting and positive psychological effects. Latest insights show that while traditional cultural and social interactions have been curbed, there has been a surge of interest in art and entertainment, helping many people cope in these difficult times and manage their mental well-being. With the public finding it harder to access much-loved gigs, galleries and theatres, many organisations have developed new ways to reach
audiences and enrich the lives of the public. At the same time, households appear to have thrown themselves into painting, music, singing and dance projects to express themselves, the findings from a UK wide study of 6,000 people reveal. This ‘domestic renaissance’ first blossomed as front windows and public footpaths were transformed into canvases for self-expression, with the UK creating uplifting art to show its gratitude to key workers. With many traditional entertainment venues closed, taking on a creative task also became a comfort for many with 61% of those who interacted with arts and crafts crediting it as a factor in improving their state of mind during the crisis. Importantly, more than half, 51%, also believed the mental wellbeing impacts would be long-lasting for them.
GETTING CREATIVE Those that did arts and crafts (35%), danced (42%), sang (38%), played an instrument (45%) during lockdown were significantly more likely to say the pandemic has increased their mental well-being
1in2 61%
believe that the mental wellbeing benefits from taking part in arts activities would be long-lasting
Across the UK, the public has turned to a wide range of activities to entertain themselves and their families, with 24% seizing the chance to do more arts and crafts, 38% listening more to music and 14% singing more. Just over half, 51%, reported enjoying listening to music, with 50% turning to films.
Just over 60% said listening to music during lockdown had a positive impact on their mental wellbeing, while 32% reported the benefits of arts and crafts.
For those that engaged with arts and crafts, 44% say these activities have been helpful in terms of mental health during lockdown, while 38% credited art with making them feel more relaxed and less anxious. Two thirds of people also reported listening to music more over lockdown saying that doing so had a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Almost 61% of those who interacted with arts and crafts acknowledged they were among the factors improving their state of mind during the crisis.
The surge in participation in the arts domestically is being hailed by the CEOs of five bodies responsible for developing arts and culture in the UK as a
positive element to come from a very challenging time for the sector. In a joint statement, Darren Henley, the CEO of Arts Council England, Iain Munro, CEO of Creative Scotland, Nick Capaldi, the CEO of the Arts Council of Wales, Roisin McDonough, the CEO of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Ben Roberts, Chief Executive of the British Film Institute (BFI), said: “People in the UK have a great love of creativity, art and culture. We know these things can bring us together, enrich our lives, support our emotional wellbeing, and make us happier. Throughout lockdown we’ve seen that in villages, towns and cities, people have continued to participate and enjoy the arts whether that’s at home, digitally, or through socially-distanced activities within their communities.
“Artists, arts and cultural organisations, and the individuals within them, have been the driving force behind this. Harnessing vital funding from The National Lottery, they’ve set up creative projects both locally and nationwide for people to enjoy. We want to thank them for making life that little bit better for many people, and we also want to thank the National Lottery players themselves for playing a critical role in supporting the arts during these challenging times. Every week National Lottery players raise an incredible £30 million for good causes, enriching public life in every corner of the UK.”
THEATRE IS A MIRROR TO SOCIETY At a time when theatre is in peril, Moji Elofowoju believes attracting more diverse audiences will help secure its future. The lack of representation is a key element in the work of the artistic director of Sheffield-based Utopia Theatre, which she founded in 2012.
Mojisola Elufowoju Founder & Artistic Director Utopia Theatre
Growing up in Nigeria, Moji was initially discouraged from studying for the stage and came to the craft as a mature student. Now working with artists primarily within Sheffield, Utopia Theatre commissions writers and produces plays focused on telling the stories of Africans in the diaspora, dispelling stereotypes and giving visibility to often overlooked narratives.
“We all know the power of theatre,” states Moji. “It holds a mirror to society and allows people to see each other in a different light. The history of this country influences the history of Africa, in any case, so when you are telling the stories of Africans in the diaspora you are telling the stories of the UK. Our work is essentially a diffusion of western theatre practices with traditional African storytelling.” Earlier this year, Utopia Theatre received emergency funding from The National Lottery, allowing it to support more than 50 professional freelance artists to share their creative expertise via virtual training workshops in directing, design, dance, writing, music, poetry and more. Online sessions via the creative hub were free to join and saw hundreds of people from countries as varied as Korea to Russia logging on.
National Lottery players raise £30million each week for Good Causes, like Utopia Theatre’s online platform, which will now be able to continue for the next six months due to the financial support. “This might be one of our greatest achievements,” reflects Moji. “What we have achieved over lockdown in bringing people together and having conversations around what is happening in the industry in terms of representation and diversity is special. The opportunity to engage people and connect to other artists has been such a life-saver for me personally, and the people we have helped mentor. We wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without The National Lottery. It has allowed us to make an immense impact on people’s lives when they have been going through an incredibly difficult time. When you are recognised for your work, it just drives you to do more.”
Penny Rawlings
Manager, Preludes, The Bristol Ensemble Preludes works in areas of Bristol that are experiencing high levels of economic disadvantage and aims to put music at the heart of every child’s education.