MPs ask charities for evidence of 'social impact' of sport and culture
Charities and other organisations are being asked to submit evidence to a new inquiry which is investigating ways in which taking part in the arts, cultural activities and sport can have a positive impact on health, community and education.
The inquiry was launched by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee earlier this week. It is expecting to focus on five main themes, taking evidence on social mobility, health, crime reduction, education, community engagement and diversity. The legacy of the Olympics may also be considered as part of the inquiry.
The Committee said it is keen to hear from specific case studies of success.
It said there is currently “no single cross-government strategy of support for this work – alongside funding from Arts Council England and other government bodies, projects are largely run by charities and private organisations”.
The Committee also said that “often projects are delivered in isolation rather than in partnership with public bodies which could extend their reach and influence,” and that the inquiry would “seek to draw the government’s attention to the importance of these activities and ‘join up’ currently separated departmental efforts”.
The inquiry particularly wants to hear views on why the government has not coordinated its efforts more effectively, and whether the sport sector has been better for social mobility than the arts – and if so why.
It also wants views on how museums, galleries and other cultural venues can boost access and social impact.