Manifesto for Participation in the Arts and Crafts

The Manifesto for Participation in the Arts and Crafts has been launched, coinciding with the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, of which Article 27 states:"Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits." (Article 27 is also the basis of REALISE your right to art)

The manifesto addresses how everyone, regardless of who they are or where they are, can find meaningful ways to participate across the whole spectrum of arts and crafts.

It states  that "participation in arts and crafts activities should be open to everybody'"and is "particularly keen to encourage those who tend to be under-represented in arts participation (including the most excluded socio-economic groups, people with a limiting physical or learning disability or mental illness and people from black and minority ethnic groups)."

Active participation

• Is a fundamental aspect of human expression
• plays a valuable role in developing culture, identity and community
  
• produces personal, social – and on occasions, economic benefits – for participants, their families and the communities in which they live and work.

It is intended that the manifesto should be used as framework for championing and furthering participation and the voluntary and amateur sector. Supporters are asked to:

• pledge support for the Manifesto
• share experiences, skills and best practice in participation
• work to increase participation through the stated aims and objectives, either as individuals or groups and organisations
• develop working relationships, partnerships and networks to increase participation across the widest field of personal and community development.