Key Findings 2023/24

1. Increased confidence: Participants experienced growth in personal, social, and creative confidence. 
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. 
5. Wellbeing: The programmes supported overall wellbeing by providing a safe and inclusive space for personal and creative exploration. 

The benefits for galleries participating in the arts programmes funded by the Mildred Fund included organisational change; strengthened community ties; innovative practices; and professional development. 

1. Trust and relationships: Trust is foundational for collaboration.
2. Attentiveness: The research emphasises a specific form of attentiveness that involves a strong focus on the needs of young people in the use of art as a medium for engagement.
3. Confidence and wellbeing: Confidence is a key outcome of art programmes, developing across personal, social, and creative domains.
4. Artistic processes: Effective artistic processes are slow-paced, process-led, and judgment-free, focusing on the value of the process over outcomes.
5. Sustainability and continuity: The research highlights the potential for lasting impact by fostering environments where young people feel safe, valued, and empowered.