Seen and Heard: The Long-Term Impact of Arts Projects on Young People Living in Poverty

Abstract

This article presents unique findings from research in Scotland of the long-term impact of arts projects on young people living in poverty. Through the support of creative skilled practitioners sensitive to their challenges, these initiatives provided spaces of inspiration for young people to feel seen and heard, and their area not completely forgotten. Crucially, this promoted bridging social capital or access to opportunities outside of their local environment. The young people, reflecting more than five years on from their engagement, reported that it had increased their wellbeing, confidence, hopes for the future, reduced isolation, and for some, had opened up career pathways, thus mediating against some of the effects of poverty. In an increasingly challenging funding environment and uncertain times, it is vital that the impact of the arts is understood in policy contexts, and these are accessible to young people, from all walks of life as a right.