This page gives links to some social and community arts projects that have worked well in the UK, and have helped arts to evolve outside of the stereotypical enclaves. We hope that this sketch of the UK experience will provide inspiration for people internationally who are working in this sector.

The British Council has not been involved in these projects - but you can find examples of our international work in this area here.

Examples of some of the projects that have emerged include:

The Drum in Birmingham, which is dedicated to promoting African, Asian and Caribbean arts and culture

Eden Arts, which promotes the arts and creative endeavour in rural Cumbria

Art on the Riverside, in the North East of England, is the largest public art programme in the UK, bringing art to people in their everyday environments

Beaumont Street Studios were established by the West Indian community in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, and now provide a series of access programmes that allow people to develop their creative potential

In Kirklees, the community arts project in Batley Carr includes work around environmental issues (see also The Ashden Directory for more information about projects linking drama and the environment) and the ethnic mix of the community

Many programmes aimed at fostering greater access are created by building-based companies in the performing and visual arts. Today most companies have outreach and social inclusion programmes, often related to education agendas. An analysis of one such company’s programme, the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds, is provided in 2001 research, In our neighbourhood: a regional theatre and its local community, published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.