Why the Visual Arts Matter
We live in an age dominated by images. As technology advances at pace, understanding visual culture has become essential, not only for cultural enrichment but for the future health and resilience of our communities. To prepare young people and future-proof communities across the North West, CVAN NW believes there is a growing need to demonstrate how the visual arts can help shape healthier, more prosperous lives in environmentally sustainable surroundings.
The visual arts are often viewed through the lens of the market. The sector contributes £4.1 billion to the UK’s export economy and plays a significant role in strengthening the nation’s global influence through culture and tourism. Yet its value extends far beyond economic impact.
Artists and visual arts organisations contribute to economic growth, regeneration, and place-making but they also empower communities in less tangible ways. By encouraging creative thinking, the arts help people collaborate, reimagine their surroundings and develop new solutions to long-standing problems.
The visual arts also have a crucial role to play in addressing deep-rooted health inequalities that affect many communities. A growing body of evidence shows that participation in the arts improves wellbeing, supports mental health and reduces social isolation. In particular, visual arts education has an important role in responding to the youth mental health crisis. Structured group activities build resilience and contribute to positive mental wellbeing among children and young people.
Research also suggests that engagement with the visual arts can improve focus, concentration and academic performance. Arts educators and not-for-profit organisations play a distinctive role in developing these skills and raising educational attainment. In a rapidly changing world, art education encourages curiosity, originality and critical thinking; qualities closely linked to innovation and entrepreneurship.
The visual arts operate within a complex ecosystem that includes artists, galleries, museums, educators, technicians, studio providers, framers, manufacturers and many others. Working across public systems, the sector uses creative approaches to communicate complex ideas and give voice to community concerns. By fostering a workforce willing to experiment, take risks and think holistically, the visual arts offer tools for creative problem-solving.
In short, the visual arts are important; not just a nice to have. They matter to everyone. As society confronts future challenges – from health and education to sustainability and social cohesion – they will be an essential part of the solution.
References:
The Anholt Nation Brands Index study ranked the UK’s brand at 5th out of 50 nations in 2024 (one place down from 2023). It highlighted culture and tourism as areas of strength for the UK – with contemporary culture scoring particularly highly (4th).[1]
‘How the World Views the UK Anholt Nation Brands Index 2024’. Visit Britain, November 2024. https://www.visitbritain.org/research-insights/uks-image-overseas.
This is through general participation, and, increasingly, as part of social prescribing initiatives. A 2024 study by the UK’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport as part of the Cultural Heritage Capital Framework (CHC) found that cultural participation – such as drawing, painting or visiting art galleries – delivers significant health benefits, including pain relief, improved wellbeing, and lower medication use. Economically, it suggested that these activities already contribute an estimated £8bn annually by enhancing quality of life and productivity.
93% of 16-18-year-olds report that studying a creative subject positively impacts their well-being.
‘Culture and Heritage Capital: Monetising the Impact of Culture and Heritage on Health and Wellbeing’. Frontier Economics for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 12 November 2024. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/675b166a348e10a16975a41a/rpt_-_Frontier_Health_and_Wellbeing_Final_Report_09_12_24_accessible_final.pdf.
‘Artsmark’s Arts Education Survey Report: Final Report’. Beatfreeks, 2021. https://www.artsmark.org.uk/sites/default/files/Artsmark%20-%20Beatfreeks%20report%20-%20FINAL.pdf.