Earlier this year, the House of Commons’ Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (DCMSC) launched an inquiry into how taking part in the arts, culture and sport can have a positive impact on health, community and education outcomes.

Nesta’s work in the arts and cultural sector has exposed us to many different organisations that have a transformational effect on individuals and communities. Through the work of the Arts Impact Fund in particular– the world’s first impact investment fund supporting arts organisations delivering social outcomes – we have collected many stories of positive social change, giving us a unique vantage point from which to contribute to the inquiry.

Our evidence submission has been reproduced in its entirety and includes four impact case studies from the fields of dance, music education, theatre and school-centred art & craft.

We also make the case that government can improve access to, and diversity in, cultural professions by: connecting arts and cultural organisations with public and third sector bodies; promoting and developing a more diverse funding toolkit for the sector, including social investment; and, providing more resources for training and personal development, ensuring that talent is nurtured and retained.