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  • 20 Feb 2015

BBC’s Get Creative launches

As a long-term supporter of wider participation in the arts, the Foundation was well represented at Thursday’s launch of Get Creative, a year-long programme of activity to promote creativity in the UK, led by a partnership between the BBC and the What Next? movement.

The scheme’s aim is to boost creativity, celebrate the activities of millions of people across the country who take part in artistic and creative pursuits, and encourage others to take part. The launch event heard from a host of voices – artists, members of the public and celebrities – who shared their experiences of taking part.

The debate about the value of culture and the arts has been highly public and prominent this week. The Warwick Commission, published on Tuesday, noted that there were significantly lower numbers of participants in cultural activities outside of the best educated and wealthiest sections of society. Get Creative responds directly to the recommendation made in the Warwick report for a popular campaign to celebrate the arts and make the cultural landscape visible and accessible to the public.

Commenting on the launch, PHF trustee Tony Hall, the BBC’s Director General, said:

“What I hope we can offer the campaign – and it’s something only the BBC can offer – is the ability to reach people everywhere. To inspire everyone to make art or do something creative.”

PHF Director Moira Sinclair says:

“We welcome and applaud the Get Creative programme and look forward to engaging with its work over the coming year. The Paul Hamlyn Foundation has always believed that the arts are an incredibly powerful force for positive change in communities and individuals’ lives, and our Arts open grants programme and funding for initiatives such as the Paul Hamlyn Clubs reflects that. So it is great to see such an ambitious and exciting project launching. Our new strategy will also have participation and access as key priorities, and we would hope to support many of the cultural and third sector organisations taking part in Get Creative.”

The BBC will broadcast programmes focusing on the arts across its TV and Radio channels, including debates and specially made shows. Many celebrities are getting involved, including popular hosts on TV and Radio such as John Wilson and Jonathan Ross. New versions of existing formats will also be aired, such as ‘Artsnight’ and ‘Artists’ Question Time’.

Alongside the BBC’s output will be a range of local and national events throughout the year, led by creative organisations including 64 Million Artists, The Space, Battersea Arts Centre and Into Film.