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. From 2017-2020, CashBack for Creativity funded 141 programmes and projects across 25 local authorities, reaching 14,272 young people.
Year 3 overview
The evaluation carried out by BOP Consulting shows that in Year 3 of CashBack for Creativity Phase 4, a total of 5,389 young people participated in the activities of 60 projects.
This included 2,282 young people across the 15 projects within the Targeted Fund, and 3,107 young people across the 45 projects of the Open Fund.
CashBack for Creativity is reaching those living in some of Scotland’s poorest areas:
76.6% of participants came from or took part in the 0-20% most deprived areas of Scotland, and just 13.5% 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:
- 4,512 Young people reported their confidence increased
- 4,551 Young people reported they are able to do new things, as a result of the programme
- 3,660 Young people reported their (creative and technical) skills were increased
- 1,505 Young people gained accreditations (e.g. Arts Award)
- 3,769 Young people reported a positive impact on their wellbeing.
The outcomes that scored particularly highly against what was expected in Year 3 were those related to taking part in accreditations or progressing to positive destinations. These included:
- Young people progressing into further opportunities, especially progressing into a further informal learning opportunity in another organisation, or remaining at / returning to school
- Young people gaining accreditation for learning and skills development. The target was surpassed in Year 3. Arts Award and Dynamic Youth Awards were particularly popular
- Young people feeling able to do new things following their engagement
- Stakeholders reporting an increase in young people’s confidence and
capacity.
These numbers indicate strong relationships between the funded organisations and local schools and colleges, as well as having an impact on a wide range of personal outcomes.
The outcome areas that scored lower than expected include:
- Young people reporting their skills increased
- Young people reporting an increase in their aspirations
- Young people reporting a positive change in their behaviour.
However, the report recognises that there is a logical sequence for some of the additional outcomes to be achieved and that confidence to participate in something new is often the first step for the most vulnerable young people.