A new study led by The University of Manchester's #BeeWell team and PBE (formerly Pro Bono Economics) has found that artistic activities can dramatically improve young people's wellbeing - with effects equivalent to the happiness boost that unemployed adults experience when moving into work.
The research, based on the Factory International Schools Programme (FISP), compared students who took part in a creative intervention with a control group who did not. It found that creative pursuits like poetry, photography and music composition can help teenagers express themselves, build confidence and reconnect with learning - all while offering significant value for money.
The findings come at a critical time. The UK has the lowest levels of youth wellbeing in Europe, with one in four young people reporting mental health difficulties by the age of 19. However, school funding for arts subjects continues to decline, leaving many children - especially those in disadvantaged areas - without any access to creative opportunities.
FISP, run by Factory International, worked with 181 pupils across five Greater Manchester schools, including those facing barriers such as low attendance or financial hardship. Over ten months, professional artists led workshops in schools, using different art forms to help pupils explore big themes. Examples include collaging to examine 'What is power?' and photography to explore 'My stomping ground.'
The results speak for themselves - the study found that taking part improved young people's life satisfaction scores by 0.6 points on a 10-point scale, a change comparable to one of the most powerful wellbeing boosts possible - a move from unemployment to employment. Using Treasury-approved methods to put a monetary value on wellbeing, this is worth almost £10,000 per young person.
The programme delivered an estimated £7 in benefits for every £1 spent, which shows that arts engagement is as good for the economy as it is for the mind.
Behind these figures are some powerful personal stories. Alexa, a Year 9 student who moved to the UK recently, used to shy away from sharing her ideas. Through the programme, she found her voice - writing poetry, mentoring younger students and dreaming of becoming a writer.
Brian, another participant, faced a turbulent year after his mother's illness. Through music, photography and collage, he found a safe space to express emotion and rebuild confidence. He's now on a scholarship studying Sports Science, and is determined to use his creativity to help others.
With arts subjects continuing to decrease in school timetables, the research provides compelling evidence for policymakers to rethink how creativity is valued.
"This analysis meaningfully contributes to the body of evidence on investing in arts and culture as an investment in young people's future," said Dr Maliha Rahanaz, author of the report. "Every young person deserves the chance to imagine, create and belong."
