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Voluntary Arts Network -
the development agency for the voluntary arts

Voluntary Arts Network aims to promote participation in the arts and crafts across the UK and ROI, and increasingly in Europe. We recognise that they are a key part of our culture and as such they are absolutely vital to our health, social and economic development.

Over half the UK adult population is involved in the voluntary arts and crafts - those arts and crafts that people undertake for self-improvement, social networking and leisure, but not primarily for payment. The range of artforms is wide and includes folk, dance, drama, literature, media, music, visual arts, crafts and applied arts, and festivals.

Voluntary Arts Link

VAN has set up a new department, Voluntary Arts Link, to co-ordinate a programme of work that will focus on national voluntary arts umbrella bodies. This development has arisen from our survey in 2005 (www.voluntaryarts.org/8488) where the main theme that emerged was a desire for opportunities to meet and network with other voluntary arts organisations and stakeholders, exchange information and experiences, and to share skills and learn new ones through quick, informal and to the point training.

For more information about Voluntary Arts Link, email info@voluntaryarts.org.

Read the latest VAN briefings

100 - Let's celebrate! - recognising and rewarding our worth (pdf - 374k)

This briefing takes a look at why we, as individuals, artists, managers, groups and organisations, should take time out to reflect on our activities, projects and work in general, recognise our milestones and successes, and reward all those involved in making these possible.

99 - Lobbying politicians and policy makers - an introduction to influencing (pdf - 99k)

This briefing looks at what it means to lobby and considers ways in which even the smallest group can effect better decision making by politicians and policy makers.

To read past briefings, visit our VAN briefings page.

A note on volunteering and funding

Do you want to volunteer in the arts and crafts or find funding for your activities? Voluntary Arts Network does not usually place volunteers nor distribute funds itself. However, there is lots of information on the funding and on the volunteering pages of this website.

The Voluntary Arts Network (VAN) is registered in Scotland as Company No.139147 and Charity No.SC 020345. VAN acknowledges funding from the Arts Councils of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.