This report examines how and why young people get involved in the arts and the reasons why some young people are less engaged.

Arts Council England commissioned ART31 to investigate potential barriers which may hinder young people from participating in and accessing the arts. ART31 created an online survey that was sent out through their mailing list, social media channels, website and local schools, offering a prize of Amazon vouchers as an incentive. The questions were designed with the intention of allowing young people to share their experiences, views and problems with the arts.

A total of 659 young people aged between 10 and 25 answered the survey, expressing a range of views and opinions about the arts. Feedback was also gathered at workshops in two youth centres in Ramsgate. Positive reasons for participation included personal, social and therapeutic benefits of arts engagement.

Williams M N,(2018). Young People and Arts Engagement: What We Need. UK: ART31.