The rise of community arts: How it is changing the face of the arts scene

Did you know that cultural investment by the UK government via the Arts Council England (ACE) is expected to grow by £250 million by 2025; where over 100 places in England will benefit from improved access to culture and arts?  

In recent years, there has been a shift in the arts scene towards community arts. This type of art was created with the aim of bringing people together and promoting social change. Community arts can take many different forms, from street art to public murals to performance art. If you have a burning passion for creativity and are interested in continuing your qualifications in the arts industry, then an MA in Applied and Community Arts at the University of Bolton would be a wise career choice.  

Why study an MA in Applied and Community Arts? 

There’s not just a growing demand for artists, there’s space in the industry for those who have the skills to engage with the community and apply their art to real-world problems. If you're an artist who is looking to make a difference in the world, then an MA in Applied and Community Arts could be the perfect fit for you.  

- You will have the opportunity to learn valuable skills that will help your career progression, such as project management, marketing, and event planning  
- You'll also develop a strong understanding of the business side of the arts, which is essential if you want to have a successful career in this field 
- You will have the chance to think critically about art and its applications 
- You'll learn about the history and theory of applied and community arts and how they can be used to impose societal change 

Let’s explore exactly how community arts is rising and how it is changing the face of the arts scene. 

Bringing people together! 

In today’s increasingly divided world, it’s more important than ever to find ways to bring people together. Community arts do just that by providing a space for people of all backgrounds to come together and create something beautiful. This type of art fosters social cohesion by breaking down barriers and fostering understanding between different groups of people. Because of this, community arts are therefore becoming more accessible than ever. This increased accessibility is leading to a more diverse range of people getting involved in the arts. After all, the arts should be for everyone—not just those who can afford exorbitant prices or who have been lucky enough to study at prestigious institutions. 

A tool for social change 

Community arts can be used to create positive social change. If you’re passionate about changing your community for the better, and want to do it while expressing your creativity, then studying community arts is a great way to turn your passion into action. This type of art can be used to address a variety of issues such as poverty, unemployment, crime, and racism. By using art as a tool, you can inspire positive change in your community while also gaining valuable skills that will help you in your career. 

Enhancing your creative skills 

Studying community arts will give you the skillset necessary to work in this growing field. The demand for skilled community artists is on the rise as more organisations begin to see the value of this type of art. When you study community arts, you’ll gain valuable skills such as project management, event planning, marketing, and fundraising. These skills will be invaluable in your career, whether you go on to work as a freelance artist or an arts organisation administrator, for example. 

Why choose Bolton? 

As an MA Applied and Community Arts (with specialism) student at Bolton University, you will work in partnership with a range of arts and cultural organisations across Greater Manchester; preparing you to undertake live projects with social, cultural, and educational benefits. Our industry-engaged lecturers are experienced in developing and leading applied and community arts projects and live briefs, so our students gain the quality teaching they need to gain the relevant skills needed to succeed in such a creative industry. 

Additionally, our supportive learning environment ensures that we leave no stone unturned when helping our students. That's why we also help you learn about tax self-assessment, invoicing, intellectual property and risk assessments, as well as offer business start-up sessions to prepare you to take advantage of opportunities for enterprise development. 

Interested in joining our Bolton School of the Arts? Read more about our postgraduate course details by clicking here.  

If you have any questions, please contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call us on 01204 903807, we are here to help.