January 2025

Findings from the Fund’s first projects reveal the development of specific personal, social and creative capabilities among young participants.

Research reveals five main benefits for the young people participating in programmes supported by the Fund at Camden Arts Centre, Tate St Ives and Turner Contemporary:

1. Increased confidence: Participants experienced growth in personal, social, and creative confidence. This included greater self-esteem, improved social skills, and enhanced creative expression.
2. Personal growth: Young people developed resilience, self-assurance, and a sense of agency, becoming more comfortable in their own stories and identities.
3. Social skills: The programmes fostered a sense of belonging and acceptance, enhancing participants' ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with others.
4. Creative skills: Participants gained confidence in using materials and equipment, experimenting with ideas, and taking creative risks. They developed a sense of ownership and pride in their artwork.
5. Wellbeing: The programmes supported overall wellbeing by providing a safe and inclusive space for personal and creative exploration, leading to meaningful personal growth. This led to improved academic performance for some participants.

In addition to selected case studies focused on Camden Art Centre and Tate St Ives, the Fund has published its first Annual Research Report. The Key Findings from this indicate the benefits for galleries participating in the programmes, and draw conclusions as to five factors which enable these benefits across the young people and the institutions.

Findings from 2024/5 will be published at the end of 2025.