The document discusses the role of grassroots and amateur arts in connecting communities. It explores how amateur arts groups enhance well-being, self-reliance, and sustainability through activities like leadership development, cross-community connections, and social engagement. Amateur arts are seen as distinct from other arts due to their passion-driven and self-organized nature, emphasis on process over product, and ability to sustain traditions outside of formal agendas. The document aims to identify the impacts of amateur arts and discuss how their effects could be better evidenced through data collection.

1. The role of grassroots arts in communities Jane Milling, University of Exeter Jenny Phillimore, Third Sector Research Centre

4. Northern Hordes Break Dance Competition photo by Handle with Cake