Cultural engagement in Scotland: insights from people's experiences

Section 3: Importance & feelings around culture and creativity

This next chapter looks at why culture and creativity are important to respondents and what feelings they inspire.

Opening doors

One of the main responses to this question was about how culture and creativity not only offer people new perspectives but how it can create opportunities and even transform people’s lives. Lots of these responses referenced cultural and creative opportunities respondents had as children.

“I’ve always had an imaginative and cultured life - access being free or cheap to a lot of things in 80s and 90s meant I could participate even though my family was poor. This gave me a pathway to a career as well as a life affirming and mind expanding experience.” (Female, 35-44)

“Culture and creative activities have been central to me building community, taking initiative and imagining and creating a better, more just world. I am disabled and the creative world has been a lifeline where I have been able to survive.” (Female, 35-44)

Creating empathy

Throughout the survey, respondents described the importance of culture and creativity to nurture empathy and care for other people.

“It opens my eyes and mind to other ways of being and knowing - other experiences and possibilities.” (Female, 25-34)

“They [culture and creativity] can change people's lives and people's opinions. They can help you to see things differently and be more understanding and empathetic. They can bring new and different cultures to individuals and widen their views and their lives.” (Female, 65-74)

Social connection and community

Often survey respondents described belonging to organised groups, formal or informal, such as local choirs or book groups. Often these shared cultural or creative interests help people connect with others and are the basis for communities.

“I have been with the same choir for over 50 years and can truthfully say that my life would have been unbearable at times without the solace that music making can offer and the lifelong friendships that it engenders.” (Female, 65-74)

“I was not encouraged to express myself during childhood. I struggled to make friends and was lacking social confidence. When I started to play the fiddle in my 30s it gave me a way to interact with people that didn't involve having to make conversation, and opened doors to meeting people in many different contexts such as playing in pub sessions, attending classes and workshops” (Female, 55-64)

Health and wellbeing benefits

Many respondents underscored the mental health benefits of cultural engagement: credited for keeping people mentally agile and providing general nourishment. Some described the wider health benefits, often as a form of ‘stress management’ and how its often-social nature helps reduce social isolation.

“It occupies my mind in a positive way; gives me a sense of purpose, enjoyment and fulfilment; boosts wellbeing; helps me feel better if I feel anxious, or low mood or depressed.” (Female, 45-54)

“As someone who has bouts of depression, the release of endorphins gained whether participating or spectating positively affects me.” (Male 65-74)

Like the mental health benefits, respondents described how cultural and creative activities can have both a ‘therapeutic’ effect and provide relief or ‘escapism’ from the everyday grind.

“Yes, I feel it’s key in offsetting the stresses and rigours of daily life. I work in a regulatory environment, and having the ability to explore my creativity and cultural heritage freely helps keep me sane.” (Male, 25-34)

“Sometimes I feel terrible then hear a song and it cheers me up. Every time I come out of the cinema; I feel like I have a new perspective on the world.” (Female 25-34)