The 10 organisations shortlisted for the third Award for Civic Arts Organisations are championing co-creation across the UK to enable positive change. Their stories reveal how the arts sector is addressing the needs of communities, increasing access to culture and enhancing lives, even in the most challenging of contexts. They represent the diversity, accessibility and impact of the sector. All are a testament to the benefits of co-creation in the arts, from improving people’s wellbeing to social cohesion. 

Case studies

The Albany

London

Supporting the community, local council and artists to co-create relevant programmes.

The Barn

Aberdeen

Promoting the wellbeing of the environment and humans through art.

Entelechy Arts

London

Dissolving the boundaries between art, wellbeing and care.

Golden Thread Gallery

Belfast

Creating space and a sense of belonging for migrant women.

Knowle West Media Centre

Bristol

Promoting social action through technology, arts and education.

Migration Museum

London

Bringing stories of migration to the centre of the arts.

Open Clasp Theatre Company

Newcastle

Elevating women’s stories through theatre.

People United

Canterbury

Enabling young refugees to thrive through art.

Pop Up Projects

Nationwide

Putting LGBTQ+ children and young people at the centre of a co-created literary process.

Re-Live

Cardiff

Destigmatising subjects like dementia and mental health through theatre.

The case studies were written and researched by postgraduate students at the Department of Culture, Media & Creative Industries at King’s College London. This partnership provides an opportunity for early career researchers to develop skills, and to diversify discussions around co-creation in the arts sector. The case studies share valuable lessons and can inspire other arts organisations to create social change.

Read case studies of the arts organisations shortlisted in the first edition and second edition of the Award for Civic Arts Organisations.