In 2022 and 2023, Create Glos teamed up with the NHS to run a series of micro experiments designed to test and build the infrastructure needed to support neighbourhood-led arts and health.

One of these experiments was about finding the best way to nurture existing and future talent. Our belief was that if we combined our skills and resources, we could collectively develop a diverse and skilled talent pool and better career pathways for creative health practitioners in Gloucestershire. Our goal was to kickstart some collaborative work to explore a joint workforce development programme for arts and health. Thanks to some initial funding, we started working together as the 'Future Talent' steering group.

Creative Lab 1: Artists and organisations came together in March 24 to explore talent diversity and development for creative practitioners. Image Credit: Create Gloucestershire

With our mix of professional expertise and a real passion for making a difference, we designed, delivered, and evaluated a series of Creative Health interventions across Gloucestershire. Our shared priority was around the diversity and inclusivity of the current Creative Health practitioner workforce in the area.

Our steering group included:

Hand drawn words showing arts organisations across Gloucestershire — Collective group mapping of existing landscape created at a Creative Lab
*Image Credit: Create Gloucestershire*

We began by surveying the Creative Health landscape in the county in Spring 2024, thanks to some seed funding. This was boosted by support from Art Shape, Artlift, and UoG, along with a small Research and Evaluation Grant from UoG and the Integrated Care Board Arts Health and Wellbeing Centre (AHWC).

Through creative labs, surveys, and focus groups, we took a deep dive into the lack of formal training and professional development pathways in Creative Health, both locally and nationally. We also looked at the challenges faced by those who are under-represented in the sector. As a steering group, we worked with diverse artists to tackle these barriers.

We're excited to share our report , which includes valuable input, findings, and recommendations from consultations with Gloucestershire's Creative Health organisations, practitioners, and artists/creatives interested in the sector.