Research & Evaluation
Our projects are subject to robust evaluation, using quantitative and qualitative techniques to monitor the impact of our work on individuals.
To improve and develop our practice creativeShift works in partnership with academics to implement a variety of evaluation techniques to support research in the sector.
One of our major collaborators has been Dr Nicola Holt, a Senior Lecturer and Level 2 programme leader in Health and Social Sciences at UWE, as part of a number of studies.
Other research partners include Bristol Museum Service, the Holburne Museum and Fresh Arts Bristol.
Published Papers and Research
"The impact of remote arts on prescription: Changes in mood, attention and loneliness during art workshops as mechanisms for wellbeing change."
Nicola Holt
"Art on referral: Remote delivery in primary and secondary care during the coronavirus pandemic."
Nicola Holt, Donna Baber, Julie Matthews, Rebecca Lines, Barbara Disney
"Arts on Prescription: Insights, Evidence and Future Directions"
Kait Clark & Nicola Holt
"Arts on prescription workshops appear to impact multiple dimensions of mood, increasing positive affect and decreasing negative affect."
Data gathered from participants whilst engaged in the art on referral programmes goes towards evidencing the long-term positive effects that creativity can have on health and wellbeing.
To date the number of particpants that have engaged in our evaluation totals into the hundreds and has helped to generate proven outcomes and shape continued delivery and funding applications.
What our participants say
“It wasn’t just about being creative, the personal benefits were much wider reaching.
It helped to challenge my anxiety in a new social setting and environment, and gave me new evidence of coping, building a sense of resilience and hope to build upon.
It provided a mental break from my eating disordered thoughts; an opportunity for my body to feel relaxed and safe.
It built my confidence meeting new people and engaging in conversations with others from diverse backgrounds and ages.
I started volunteering with Brandon Trust charity shop. Initially, I found the volunteering really anxiety provoking, but by attending the Wellbeing Arts session in the morning it helped me to sustain the volunteering opportunity.”