Cultural engagement in Scotland: insights from people's experiences

Section 4: How do you take part in different cultural and creative activities?

The survey asked respondents how they take part in different cultural and creative activities, using the following prompts:

• do you take part on your own, or with other people?
• do you take part at home or at an event/place?
• do you take part through your school/college/university?
• are you a member of a community group or a professional group?

• do you volunteer, or would you like to?

Most respondents described doing a mixture of solitary and group activities, in-person and online. Some respondents take part through community and professional groups, including through schools and universities. Many respondents currently volunteer or expressed that they would like to in the future.

Some respondents challenged the phrasing of ‘taking part’ in this question. These respondents disagreed with the idea that culture is something you must consciously ‘go somewhere’ to take part in or access. Instead, they suggested that culture is an ingrained part of everyday life (as detailed in Section 2: Culture is inseparable to everyday life).

Who with?

Respondents described taking part in a mixture of cultural and creative activities on their own and with other people. This was mostly by preference, though some respondents expressed that they had to do things alone as they did not know anyone with shared interests to go with (see social barriers section).

“I prefer visiting exhibitions on my own as I like to go at my own pace and think about what I'm experiencing; I'm less likely to want to have a conversation as I go round an exhibition.” (Female 55-64)

Some made a distinction between creative activities that they tend to do more by themselves, such as crafts, and cultural activities that they prefer to do with others.

“I belong to an amateur choir. As well as the joy of actually singing it means socialising and also stretching my mind.” (Female, 65-74)

For many, these activities are inherently social, emphasising how bonding over shared activities and interests are central to their friendships, relationships and perceptions of community.

“I attend football games with my son. I feel part of something big when I do this. I feel part of a large group of people who share the same support as me for the team, with the same heritage as me although not everyone has the same beliefs and ideas. I see the creativity in new fan songs. It also helps me bond with my son.” (Female, 55-64)

Different perceptions of community ranged from local neighbourhoods, to work based communities and meeting other families with children.

“Activities with people from local church are also important and help me familiarise myself with friends and neighbours who live locally.” (Female, 55-64)

Some respondents, who identified as having a disability or a health issue, spoke about relying on other people for support.^[25] This was informally through friends and family or with a registered carer.

“Due to my conditions, when going out I prefer to do it with someone I'm comfortable with like a friend or family member. Activities at home I prefer to do alone.” (Female, 25-34)

Where?

Many respondents described enjoying home-based activities, for example, watching TV, listening to music, cooking, playing video games and using the internet to access performances and/or online classes and communities.

“I like to be creative (as much as I am, which is not a lot) at home on my own: focus is sharper. Cultural activities are, I find, best done with other people.” (Female, 75-84)

As raised in the definitions section creativity was described as ‘part of the everyday’. And so, being able to engage in a range of activities in the home was an important part of people’s cultural engagement. Further, as raised in the following quote, it can be a cheaper alternative to paying for attendance to different events or activities.

“It [creativity] can take many shapes or forms - creating music, coming up with events or things to do with your own children, especially things that don’t cost much.” (Female, 55-64)

Respondents referred to the pandemic and the shift to online and streamed performances at home. For some, this remains a preferable way to engage.

“I have three chronic illnesses, and these can occasionally mean I do not have the physical or financial resources to attend external events The continuation of hybrid events post- COVID has been much appreciated.” (Female, 45-54)

There was reference to being part of thriving online communities developed through shared interests, often spanning wide and global geographies.

“[I] have built a good wee community of people who I will likely never meet, and we share our drawings online via various social media platforms.” (Female, 25-34)

However, some expressed preferences for more in person events. This was seen as being a more valuable way to engage with people, from a wellbeing perspective, than online delivery.

“I did some activities like this from home over Zoom during the covid pandemic lockdowns, but I prefer to be at an event or activity in person.” (Female 35-44)

“Since Covid a lot of clubs stopped or went online. It would be good if clubs were given funding as they help with social isolation and loneliness.” (Female, 55-64)

As discussed in the section Place and Space many respondents also engage with culture through different places and activities outside of the home. This included events and festivals and local community-based opportunities.

“I also love community festivals and galas such as the Canal Festival, the Meadows Festival and Leith Festival. I often have the most fun at these and love that I can meet so many of my friends and neighbours.” (Female, 45-54)

Organised groups

Some respondents belong to organised groups that run cultural/creative activities, whether amateur or professional. A few respondents were also involved in running such groups, as either organisers, trustees, board members or volunteers. For those who could take more of an active role in these groups, it was recognised that this was due to them having more time due to retirement or a lack of caring commitments.^[26]

“We are a group of mainly retired / semi-retired individuals who have discovered or rediscovered the joy of playing and singing together at formal and informal events in the area. We are all volunteers” (Female, 65-74)

Often these organised activities had a learning component, such as courses, workshops and classes with an interactive and educational purpose. These are usually paid for activities, though some mentioned free opportunities, as well as self-taught activities often through online tutorials (for example, YouTube).

“I take part in informal community learning/evening classes e.g. art, pottery, belly dancing, drumming - usually group activities at community venues which I go to alone.” (Female, 55-64)

Many respondents engage with organised activities through schools and universities, often where they or their children attend or where they work. Some were members of clubs, some more ad-hoc attendees of local programmes – often with a teaching element. Some respondents also volunteered at these institutions, such as providing arts-based activities, as explored further in the next section.

“I used to take part in music and dance activities throughout school and university and this massively helped me through those stressful periods.” (Female, 25-34)

Volunteering

Many respondents stated that they volunteer. Sometimes formally with organisations and local activist groups, and more informally, such as occasionally helping at their local school.

Retired respondents (21% of the sample) appeared to be more likely to be involved in volunteering.

“I volunteer with others to organise adult learning classes in the community - and attend the classes. - all linked to our local school. Produce brochures, leaflets etc on their behalf.” (Female, 75-84)

Some respondents expressed that they could not volunteer currently due to work or caring responsibilities and irregular schedules, though many expressed that they would like to or had previously. For some, there was a lack of desirable volunteering opportunities local to them.^[27]

There was a recognition that volunteering can create further opportunities and provide new skills and knowledge.

“Over the years my volunteering allowed me to develop many new skills which I have been able to transfer into other areas of my life.” (Female, 65-74)

However, some respondents expressed frustration in situations where someone volunteers their time, but they feel they should be renumerated for their skills.

“I do occasionally volunteer for example for local schools, but it makes me feel very uncomfortable as I feel artists should be paid properly for their work and that volunteering undermines this principle. I would prefer not to volunteer as it impacts on my very limited income.” (Female, 55-64)

Professional creatives

As detailed in the barriers section, some respondents work in the culture sector. They described blurred boundaries between their professional lives and their involvement in community ventures.

“I am a professional musician, so I regularly take part in playing music both on my own and with others, both informally and in front of an audience. That means I play in lots of different spaces, both private and public. As I also teach, I am also part of music making in various schools. I take part in a few community groups too to further my skills as well as being a member of several professional chamber ensembles.” (Female, 35-44)