Wakefield district is transforming. Our creative sector is working together with private and public sectors to draw inspiration from its proud history of creativity and innovation. But what does this really mean for the wellbeing of the people who live, work and play here? To explore this important question Creative Wakefield and University of Huddersfield co-commissioned an inquiry into Creative Health.

Our aim was to explore the impact of this work at scale and the partners selected for this study were identified as just some of the projects in the district. All have a strong commitment to supporting health and wellbeing and have provided opportunities for people from local communities to participate in a wide range of creative activities.

This collection of stories highlight the resilience, creativity and ability of our creative sector to positively impact on people’s daily lives.  This is at a time of significant systemic, societal and economic challenge. It demonstrates areas of key innovation and provides powerful important insights into on what’s needed for this work to scale-up in a sustainable way.

We are continuing to explore this important area of work to broaden the conversation and will be announcing more information on ways to be involved in the coming months.

We believe that the work and activity described here provides a sense of genuine hope for the future and hope you enjoy reading it!

Read the Report

Thank you to partners, stakeholders, collaborators and supporters

This inquiry wouldn’t have been possible without –

The participating organisations and individuals who generously shared their time, expertise and life experiences, making this inquiry possible.

Our co-commissioner and collaborator University of Huddersfield Creative Health Lab: Creative Health Hub – University of Huddersfield and the generous and sustained support of the ACL Service at Wakefield Council.

It was enabled by strategic funding from the DCMS Cultural Development Fund managed by ACE and Wakefield Council, and ACE Cultural Compact Funding managed by Wakefield Council.