Our Creative Talent: the voluntary and amateur arts in England

Treading the boards, crafting a short story or performing a show-stopping tune are just some of the ways that nearly 6 million English people participate in the arts, according to a new study.

The results from 'Our Creative Talent: the voluntary and amateur arts in England' show music is one of people's biggest passions with more than 11,220 groups across England, followed by theatre with 5,380 groups and dance with 3,040 groups.

The report says:

• there are 49,140 groups across the country - ranging from orchestras and book clubs to lace-making and dance - with a total of 5.9 million members
• an additional 3.5 million people volunteer as extras or helpers - for example raising funds or rigging lighting - bringing the total involvement to 9.4 million people
• voluntary arts generated a total income of £543 million in 2006/07.

You can download 'Our Creative Talent: the voluntary and amateur arts in England' at www.vaengland.org.uk/uploaded/map7402.pdf.