Phase 4 of CashBack for Creativity was delivered from 2017-2020, funded by the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme. It offered young people aged 10-24 across Scotland the opportunity to engage in creative and cultural activity. It provided high quality learning and developmental activities in all art forms which improved young people’s skills and confidence, raised attainment and aspirations, and provided pathways for further learning, training, education and employment.
Year 2 overview
The evaluation carried out by BOP Consulting shows that in Year 2 of CashBack for Creativity Phase 4 a total of 5,926 young people participated in the activities of 47 projects.
This included 2,652 young people across the 15 projects within the Targeted Fund, and 3,274 young people across the 32 projects of the Open Fund.
CashBack for Creativity is reaching those living in some of Scotland’s poorest areas:
51% of participants came from or took part in the 0-20% most deprived areas of Scotland, and just 18% from within the 50-100% least deprived areas of Scotland.
High numbers of participants were recorded as achieving positive outcomes as a result of taking part, including:
- 4,012 Young people reported their confidence increased
- 4,044 Young people reported they are able to do new things
- 3,820 Young people reported their (creative and technical) skills were increased
- 989 Young people gained accreditations (e.g. Arts Award)
- 3,565 Young people reported a positive impact on their wellbeing
The outcomes that scored particularly highly against what was expected in Year 2 were those related to taking part in positive activities or progressing to positive destinations. These included:
- Number of young people progressing into further opportunities
- Number of young people gaining accreditation
- Number of young people undertaking coaching, mentoring, or in supporting roles
These numbers indicate strong relationships between the grant holding organisations and local schools and colleges; a strong emphasis in the projects’ designs for participants to mentor or coach their peers; and the fact that most organisations have long-term relationships with participants and their communities, leading to strong commitment to projects.
The outcome areas that scored lower than expected include:
- Participants reporting increased aspirations
- Participants reporting a positive change in their behaviour
However, as discussed in the report these should be considered alongside the recognition that not all participants were presenting deficits in aspirations or poor behaviour before or during activities.